“Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many” (Proverbs 4:10, NIV).
A FEW YEARs Ago, the prestigious Yale University brought to light something many of us had already sensed, but dared not validate by quoting a scientific study: reading prolongs life. According to a study published in the journal of Social Science and Medicine, those with good reading habits live at least two more years than those who don’t read at all.
The study, which lasted twelve years and included over three thousand people, suggests that the cognitive process set in motion while reading allows readers to have advantages over those who don’t read. Data obtained from the research study suggests that reading improves concentration, encourages critical thinking, and strengthens empathy, social perception, and emotional intelligence. Reading gives us life! Literally.
Although the research study carried out by Yale scholars has to do with reading in a general sense, I think the study definitely confirms what Proverbs 4:10 had already stated: “Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.” Now, the «years» that will be many by reading the Bible will extend to eternity. Paul explained to young Timothy that reading God’s Word will lead us to eternal life: “You remember that ever since you were a child, you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus» (2 Timothy 3:15, GNT). In other words, spending time reading the Scriptures will enable us to know the One who can give us eternal life: Christ Jesus.
The Lord told His disciples, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life» (John 6:63, NIV). And furthermore, Peter acknowledged that by saying, “You have the words of eternal life“ (John 6:68). So if we want to live many, many years, the best thing to do is to become avid readers of God’s Word.
The advice given to Israel’s king could well be applied daily to our lives. What was that advice? For him to read the Scriptures «all the days of his life” (Deuteronomy 17:19). Wouldn’t that be an excellent resolution to set for ourselves this year?
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2023
“I AM WITH YOU”
From: J. VLADIMIR POLANCO
Collaborators: Lorina Maya & Angelica Cuate
