Living The Good Life
Message Summary:
How Do You Live the Good Life?
Scripture: Psalm 34:11–14
Everyone has received advice from a parent, grandparent, friend, or teacher. Somewhere along the way, someone probably said something that stayed with you and helped you live a little better.
That is the point of wisdom. Most advice, however, helps us with only one part of life—money, relationships, health, or work. What if someone could offer us wisdom about life itself? What if someone could teach us how to live well?
That is where David takes us in Psalm 34.
David wasn’t sitting peacefully under a cherry blossom tree like Master Shifu from Kung Fu Panda when he wrote these words. He had been running for his life. He was afraid, threatened, and surrounded by enemies. Yet after telling us what God had done for him, David gathered his listeners and said:
“Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.”
—Psalm 34:11
David had tasted and seen that the Lord is good. Now he wanted others to know that our good God teaches us how to experience a good life. And from there, David gives us wisdom to live by.
David asks, “Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days…” In other words, do you want a good life? Then begin with a healthy fear of the Lord.
1. Watch Your Words
Psalm 34:13 says:
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
An evil tongue is not limited to shocking threats or hateful statements. It is any use of our words that harms what God loves—and God loves the person who is driving you crazy. He loves your parents, teachers, siblings, classmates, and the person sitting alone at lunch.
When we embarrass, disrespect, deceive, gossip about, or tear down someone God loves, our words are not harmless.
An evil tongue can sound like:
“I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but…”
“Whatever. You can’t tell me what to do.”
“Relax! I was only joking.”
David also warns us against lying. We may rename a lie by calling it an exaggeration, a half-truth, or a harmless “white lie.” We might intentionally leave out an important detail or allow someone to believe something false because it benefits us. Whatever name we give it, dishonesty is still wrong.
Why does David begin with our words? Because words do more than describe the world around us—they affect it. They can bring people together or tear them apart. They can make someone feel seen or make them wish they could disappear.
You cannot build a good life with words that continually cause harm.
Before you say it, repeat it, post it, or send it, ask:
Is it true?
Is it necessary?
Is it kind?
Does it sound like someone who loves Jesus?
2. Do What Is Good
Psalm 34:14 tells us to “turn from evil and do good.”
That sounds simple until we realize that everyone has a different definition of “good.” We often call something good because we enjoy it, it makes us happy, or it gives us what we want.
For many people, the good life means money, possessions, success, or comfort. But David has already told us what is truly good:
“Taste and see that the LORD is good.”
—Psalm 34:8
God is good. His presence is good. Knowing Him is good. Walking with Him is good.
A good life is not built by getting everything we want. It is built by trusting that God is good and learning to do what He says.
Doing good means choosing actions that show others what our good God is like.
3. Turn Away From What Is Wrong
David does not merely tell us to admit that evil is wrong. He tells us to turn away from it.
A hard heart makes excuses. A soft heart makes the turn.
If a conversation becomes cruel, walk away. If people are preparing to do something you know is wrong, do not join them. If something on your phone is feeding what should be dying inside you, close it. If a relationship continually pulls you away from God, create some distance.
Then choose what reflects God’s character.
God has shown you kindness, so be kind. God has welcomed you, so notice the person being left out. God has helped you, so help someone who is struggling. God has forgiven you, so forgive. God draws near to the brokenhearted, so move toward the person who is hurting.
You have tasted God’s goodness. Now let someone else experience His goodness through you.
Watch your words. Do good. Turn away from what is wrong. That is how we begin living the good life.