A full day, a long life

Devotional, June 13 - Proverbs 3:1-2“My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments; For length of days and years of life And peace they will add to you.” (Proverbs 3:1–2, NASB95)I am often asked if “length of days” and “years of life” are two different things or if they are the same.  In a full study of the term, used only four times in the Hebrew Old Testament, length of days is synonymous with long life.  One of the most beautiful expressions of this term is in reference to the Messiah, when the Psalmist says, “He asked life of You, You gave it to him, Length of days forever and ever” (Psalm 21:4, NASB95).  The length of days in this context refers to the reign of the Messiah over the nations of the earth.  Handel’s Messiah says it well when it proclaims the Scripture’s testimony, “And He shall reign forever and ever!”But I do believe there is also a sense in which a mature and obedient believer receives full days as well long-life.  When a believer walks in obedience, his time is so much more productive for the Master.  He “works while it is still day” knowing that “night comes when no man can work.”May your day be filled with God’s work!In His Grace,Dr. Randy White