“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4).
The conciseness and profundity of the holy Scriptures are subtle, yet quite powerful, proofs of their divine inspiration. What takes philosophers and experts reams of paper and a profuse number of words and speculation, the holy men of God who were moved by the Holy Spirit state succinctly. Consider these few (of the many possible) examples:
What is the origin of the universe? “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1).
Where did human life come from? “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness’…So God created man in His own image; in the image of God, He created him; male and female He created them” (Gen. 1:26-27).
Where did marriage come from? “And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man…Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Gen. 1:21-24).
What is the purpose of human life? “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecc. 12:13-14).
What is the best possible way to treat others? “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them…” (Mat. 7:12).
When asked: “Solomon, what are the essentials to a truly successful life?” He used seven Hebrew (translated into fourteen English) words to answer this incredibly important question.
- Humility. You are not God; therefore, you must humbly turn to Him, so you do not walk in the path which ends in death (Prov. 14:12).
- The fear of the Lord. Humility must be coupled with obedience to God. The fear of Jehovah is the healthiest life choice you can possibly make (see “The Wisdom of Fearing God” post on 11/17/25).
Seven words!
