Putting God first--living according to his word--serves the glory of God and also the best interests of believers, by giving them true wisdom for daily living.
The wisdom of making faith a priority
And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Putting the fear of God before other considerations
Psalm 31:19 See also Exodus 1:17; Nehemiah 5:15; Proverbs 1:7
How great is Your goodness which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have bestowed before the sons of men on those who take refuge in You!
Preferring God's way to sinful advice
Psalm 1:1–2 Proverbs 3:13–14, Proverbs 8:19, Proverbs 8:32; Numbers 31:16; 1 Kings 12:28
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night.
Choosing imaginative action rather than laziness or fearfulness
Numbers 13:30 See also 1 Samuel 25:33; Ephesians 5:16MAT Ephesians 25:10, Matthew 25:26–27, Matthew 25:44–45, Matthew 26:40
Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We must go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it!”
Patient waiting rather than impetuous action
Psalm 40:1 See also Psalm 27:14, Psalm 37:5–6, Psalm 62:5, Psalm 123:2; Proverbs 3:5–6; Isaiah 40:31; Hosea 12:6; John 2:4–5; Revelation 2:10
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry.
The wisdom of making hope a priority
Hebrews 6:19 See also Psalm 147:10–11
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,
Putting true riches above earthly wealth
Luke 16:9 See also Deuteronomy 15:8; Matthew 6:24, Matthew 19:21 parallels Mark 10:21, Luke 18:22; Matthew 19:29 parallels Mark 10:29–30, Luke 18:29–30; Hebrews 11:26
I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings.
Putting eternal joy before temporal hardship
2 Corinthians 4:17–18 See also Acts 14:22, Acts 16:25; Romans 8:18; 2 Timothy 2:10; Hebrews 10:34
For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
The wisdom of making love a priority
1 Corinthians 13:13 Paul's concern that love, rather than competition over spiritual gifts, should be made a priority.
And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love.
Loyalty rather than opportunism
Proverbs 18:24 See also Ruth 1:16; 2 Timothy 4:10 Demas' love for this world rather than loyalty
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
Following the Spirit rather than sinful human nature
Galatians 5:16 Merely “human” activity betrays a failure of love for God. See also Psalm 147:10–11; Isaiah 31:1–3; Romans 8:5
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Inner sincerity rather than outward appearance
Romans 12:9 See also 1 Samuel 16:7; Ephesians 6:5; Colossians 3:22
Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.
Actions rather than mere words
James 2:18 See also Matthew 7:21–22; 1 John 3:18
But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.
Peace rather than disharmony
Romans 12:18 See also Romans 14:19; Hebrews 12:14
If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.
Truth rather than falsehood
Proverbs 12:19 See also Acts 5:4; Colossians 3:9
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.