The desire to live a long life is something most people share, but what does the Bible say about it? Scripture offers promises of long life for those who follow God’s ways, but it also reminds us that our time on earth is ultimately in God’s hands. Let’s take a look at what the Bible teaches about living a long, fulfilling life and how faith plays a role in that journey.
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What Does The Bible Say About Living A Long Life
Genesis 6:3
Then the LORD said, “My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be 120 years.”
This verse reveals that God has set a limit for human life on earth, with an average lifespan of 120 years. It emphasizes the mortality of humans and the temporal nature of life.
It reminds us that our time on earth is limited and encourages us to make the most of the years we have by living in alignment with God’s purposes and seeking wisdom to steward our lives well.
Psalm 91:16
With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
This verse assures us that those who find refuge in God and dwell in His presence will experience long life and experience His salvation.
It conveys the promise of God’s faithfulness in satisfying His children with a full and meaningful life. It encourages us to trust in God’s protection and salvation as we navigate the challenges of life.
Deuteronomy 6:2
so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life.
This verse highlights the link between living a life in accordance with God’s decrees and enjoying a long life.
It emphasizes the importance of passing on the knowledge of God’s commandments and following them diligently to future generations as a means to experiencing the blessings of a long and prosperous life.
Proverbs 3:2
for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.
This verse emphasizes the benefits of wisdom and understanding in extending the span of one’s life and bringing peace and prosperity.
It underscores the value of seeking God’s wisdom and applying it to our lives as a key to not only living long but living well, with a sense of peace and abundance.
Ephesians 6:2-3
“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
This verse highlights the importance of honoring parents, not only as a commandment but also as a path to experiencing a good and long life.
It reminds us of the significant role that honoring and respecting our parents plays in fostering healthy relationships and ultimately contributing to our overall well-being and longevity.
Proverbs 4:10
Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.
This verse emphasizes the importance of heeding wisdom and instruction as a means to increase the quantity and quality of our years on earth.
It encourages us to be attentive and receptive to wise counsel, recognizing that it can positively impact the trajectory and duration of our lives.
Proverbs 10:27
The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
This verse highlights the correlation between reverential fear of the Lord and the extension of one’s lifespan while contrasting it with the shortened years of those who walk in wickedness.
It underscores the importance of living in awe and obedience of God, knowing that it not only impacts our spiritual well-being but also has tangible effects on our physical existence.
Proverbs 16:31
Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.
This verse symbolizes the honor and beauty that comes with old age, describing gray hair as a crown of splendor.
It emphasizes the correlation between living a righteous life and the dignity and reverence accorded to those who have aged gracefully, reminding us of the value placed on righteousness in the eyes of God and society.
Psalm 34:12-14
Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
This verse portrays the connection between living a life marked by love, integrity, and righteousness and experiencing many good and blessed days.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of guarding our speech, abstaining from falsehood, and actively pursuing peace as essential components of living a fulfilling and extended life.
Proverbs 9:11
For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.
This verse asserts that wisdom has the power to increase the span of our days and add years to our lives, highlighting its significant influence on our life’s length.
It encourages us to seek after wisdom, knowing that it not only enhances our understanding and discernment but also brings tangible benefits to our physical existence.
1 Timothy 4:8
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
This verse acknowledges the value of physical exercise but emphasizes that godliness holds importance both in the present life and the eternal life to come.
It reminds us to prioritize cultivating a relationship with God and pursuing a life characterized by reverence and righteousness, recognizing the eternal significance of our choices and actions.
Proverbs 20:29
The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.
This verse highlights the inherent value and splendor of both youth and old age, acknowledging the unique attributes and contributions of each season of life.
It encourages us to embrace and honor the distinct blessings and characteristics of every stage of life, recognizing that both strength and wisdom have their own beauty.
James 5:14
Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.
This verse encourages believers to seek spiritual support and healing when facing illness or physical challenges by involving the elders and leaders of the church in prayer and anointing.
It reminds us that the body of Christ is designed to function as a community of support, with prayer and spiritual intervention playing a role in promoting healing and longevity.
Isaiah 46:4
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
This verse reassures the elderly that God remains with them, sustaining and caring for them throughout their old age.
It provides comfort and reassurance, emphasizing God’s faithfulness and commitment to those who have aged, assuring them that He will continue to provide and rescue them in all situations.
Psalm 92:14
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green,
This verse declares the remarkable potential for continuous growth, productivity, and freshness in old age for those who remain rooted in God.
It serves as a reminder that age does not limit the ability to bear fruit or make a significant impact, but rather presents an opportunity for wisdom, maturity, and spiritual growth.
Proverbs 12:28
In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.
This verse points to the connection between walking in righteousness and experiencing life and immortality.
It emphasizes the eternal significance of choosing a life aligned with God’s principles and highlights the promise of everlasting life that comes through a relationship with Him.
Psalm 23:6
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
This verse expresses the assurance of God’s goodness, love, and faithful presence throughout our lives, both in this temporal existence and in eternity.
It brings comfort and hope, reminding us that our journey with God extends beyond the boundaries of mortal life, allowing us to dwell eternally in His presence.
Proverbs 14:27
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.
This verse emphasizes the life-giving and life-preserving nature of reverential fear of the Lord, offering protection from the destructive paths that lead to spiritual and physical death.
It highlights the importance of holding God in reverence and awe, recognizing that it is a source of divine guidance and safeguarding that leads to a long and abundant life.
Job 5:26
You will come to the grave in full vigor, like sheaves gathered in season.
This verse paints a vivid image of reaching the end of life in a state of vitality and abundance, comparable to sheaves of harvested crops.
It conveys the idea that those who walk in righteousness and live according to God’s ways can expect to approach the end of life with a sense of fulfillment and completeness.
Proverbs 19:23
The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
This verse highlights the life-giving and peace-bringing nature of fearing the Lord and living in alignment with His ways.
It suggests that when we revere and follow God, we find contentment and are shielded from the troubles and afflictions that often accompany a life lived apart from God’s wisdom and guidance.
James 1:12
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
This verse speaks to the spiritual reward and eternal life that awaits those who endure trials and tribulations with steadfastness and faithfulness.
It encourages believers to remain committed to the Lord and His love, knowing that the crown of life awaits those who persevere through the challenges that come their way.
1 Timothy 6:19
In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
This verse highlights the importance of investing in spiritual riches and treasures that have eternal value, serving as a foundation for true and abundant life.
It calls us to shift our focus from temporal pursuits to eternal priorities, recognizing that the life we truly desire and were created for can only be found in relationship with God.