The Simple Life
Yael Eckstein | March 8, 2024
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. — Proverbs 10:9
We continue with devotional thoughts from the Book of Proverbs every Friday. One of the 11 books in the Torah known as the Ketuvim, Hebrew for “writings,” Proverbs is part of the “wisdom tradition,” which also includes Job and Ecclesiastes.
We seem to be part of a world that is moving too fast and is full of indulgences and distractions that turn our attention away from what is truly important. The simple things don’t seem like enough for many of us. Maybe we work too much and don’t spend enough time with our family. Maybe we spend our money on things we don’t really need, thinking they will bring us happiness. Maybe we neglect to care for our homes and communities.
But even in this—especially in this—fast-paced modern world filled with distractions, we need to slow down and ask ourselves some hard questions about what truly matters most to us in our lives. When I asked myself that question, the answers I came up with pointed me back to the basic truths that I already knew. Our connection to God is fundamentally important. As are family, friends, and community. And if we have the ability to afford enough food, to be able to pay our rent, and pay for other essentials, we are extremely blessed and have everything we need to live comfortably and happily for the rest of our lives.
The Simple Life
This verse from Proverbs reminds me to live simply. In it, King Solomon advised us to live a simple life. He wrote, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.” The Hebrew word employed in this verse, which is translated as “integrity,” is tom. When translated literally, tom means both “simple” and “complete.” This is because the one who embraces a simple life feels whole and complete. Such a person “walks securely,” without the worries and stress of an overly complicated life.
No matter how complicated our lives have become, we can choose to make some changes and lead a simpler life going forward. And when we do, not only will we be happier and more satisfied, but also better servants of God.
Your Turn:
What changes might you make to your life so that it’s less complicated and more complete? Share with us in the comments below!