Psalm 34:12
ESV
What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?
NIV
Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,
NASB
Who is the person who desires life And loves length of days, that he may see good?
CSB
Who is someone who desires life, loving a long life to enjoy what is good?
NLT
Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous?
KJV
What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?
NKJV
Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good?
What does Psalm 34:12 mean?
In this statement, David raises a rhetorical question: who wants a full, good life? Of course, everyone wants to lead a long, happy, peaceful, fulfilling, and prosperous life. Jesus properly defined the valuable aspects of human life by asking, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" (Mathew 16:26). He explained that life lived in the pursuit of material wealth amounts to loss, but a life of service for Him amounts to eternal gain.In Philippians 1:21 the apostle Paul highlighted the best way to live. He said, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Throughout his Christian life Paul made the will of God his top priority. He served Christ faithfully, and at the end of his life he looked forward to receiving from the Lord "the crown of righteousness" (2 Timothy 4:8). Solomon, as well, noted that the "fear of the LORD," meaning submissive respect, was "the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7).
