Psalm 34 - How to Live a Long Life

Psalm 34 has several "famous" verses - you know... they've been turned into a song or quoted by someone famous.

Sandy Patti sang v.3 ♪ O magnify, o magnify the LORD with me and let us exalt His name together. ♫

V.8 "Taste and see that the LORD is good" has been quoted a lot.

Numbers 9:12 has God's command that you were not to break any of the bones of the Passover lamb. When writing about Jesus' crucifixion, v.20 is quoted by the Apostle John in  John 19:36 NIV

36 These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,”

Since you probably know these verses I thought I'd point out a way to live a long life. Most people are interested in living longer. Here's David's advice.

11 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.12 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

He goes on to say things like "the Lord is against those who do evil" v.16He delivers the righteous from their troubles v.1718 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.If you have difficulty with v.13 you're not alone. (compare James 3:1-12) So.... work on it. Colossians 4:6 says, 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.None of this comes naturally. You have to think, practice controlling your tongue, guard your thoughts. It is out of the abundance of a man's heart that he speaks. Ouch! Jesus said in Matthew 15:18 that the things that come out of a person's mouth come from the heart.Hmmmm.... my post on living a long life turned into a post about taking control of your tongue. I think there's a good connection there. Now that I'm looking at it. Vs.1-3 have to do with your tongue too! 1 I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.2 I will boast only in the LORD ; let all who are helpless take heart.3 Come, let us tell of the LORD ’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. NLT

Bottom line:One of the keys to living a long life is learning to control your tongue. Some of us have a lot of work to do in that area. Let's get busy!