Depart
from evil, and do good. Seek peace, and pursue it.
Psalm 34:14
Psalm 34 [10.] The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger,
but those who seek Yahweh shall not lack any good thing.
Come, you children, listen to me.
I will teach you the fear of Yahweh.
Who is someone who desires life,
and loves many days, that he may see good?
Keep your tongue from evil,
and your lips from speaking lies.
Depart from evil, and do good.
seek peace, and pursue it.
Yahweh’s eyes are toward the righteous.
His ears listen to their cry.
Yahweh’s face is against those who do evil,
to cut off their memory from the earth.
The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears,
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart,
and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but Yahweh delivers him out of them all.
Meaning:
- "Depart from evil, and do good":
This first part of the verse outlines a dual responsibility for believers. Firstly, it calls us to actively turn away from evil, rejecting sinful behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to God's will. Secondly, it urges us to actively engage in doing good, aligning our actions with righteousness and virtue. It emphasizes the importance of both abstaining from wrongdoing and actively pursuing righteousness in our daily lives.
- "Seek peace, and pursue it":
Significance:
Moral Conduct: The verse underscores the importance of ethical conduct and moral integrity in the lives of believers. It challenges us to be intentional in our choices, actively avoiding evil and embracing goodness in all aspects of our lives.
Conflict Resolution: By emphasizing the pursuit of peace, the verse highlights the significance of reconciliation and conflict resolution in our interactions with others. It encourages us to actively seek harmony and understanding, even in the face of disagreements or hostility.
Holistic Well-being: The pursuit of peace encompasses not only external relationships but also internal harmony and spiritual well-being. It reminds us that true peace is found in alignment with God's will and the practice of righteousness in our lives.
Responsibility: The verse places the responsibility on individuals to take proactive steps towards both personal holiness and relational harmony. It emphasizes the active role we play in shaping our character and contributing to the peace and well-being of our communities.
Imitators of God: Departing from evil, doing good, seeking peace, and pursuing it reflect the character of God Himself. As His children, we are called to emulate His attributes of holiness, goodness, and peacemaking in our lives.
Cross References:
Romans 12:18: "If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men." This verse echoes the sentiment of Psalm 34:14, emphasizing the importance of actively pursuing peace in our relationships with others.
Hebrews 12:14: "Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man will see the Lord." Here, the writer encourages believers to strive for both peace and holiness, recognizing their interconnectedness in the Christian life.
In summary, Psalm 34:14 provides timeless wisdom on righteous living, urging us to depart from evil, do good, seek peace, and actively pursue it in our lives. It challenges us to embody the virtues of holiness, goodness, and peacemaking, reflecting the character of God and contributing to the flourishing of our communities.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible