Some people say the Bible is irrelevant today, and its writings only apply to people from centuries ago.
Not so!
For example, the book of Proverbs is a collection of sayings and reflections by the wisest man the Bible says has ever lived. These sayings are mostly one-liners packed full of meaning.
For example, chapter three, verse 3 states: "Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart."
Why would you want to do this? Because by remaining steadfast you will remain a person of integrity. No one will question where you stand on an issue. No one will be able to dissuade you from the stand you know to be proper and true.
Another example in the same chapter, verse five, is, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight."
Your own insights can lead you astray simply because of pride. It can also be because of a lack of fuller knowledge or experience. To rely on God, to trust God, means you understand you do not have a lock on everything or how to do everything. Let God do the leading.
"Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce" is verse nine.
When you stop to realize it, everything you own is from God. So, when you honor God with what you have, God honors you in return. Your motivation is to honor God for who he is, not for what you will receive in return. This helps develop a sense of gratitude for who God is and for what he provides.
Verses 11 and 12 say, "My child, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves."
Just as a loving parent, God disciplines his wayward children. He does it in love to correct harmful behavior. It may not be pleasant, but it is necessary and it is instructive.
Some of the best lessons are the most painful. And if God did not love, he would not discipline. We would be left to our own devices and wind up in deeper trouble.
Take time to read the scriptures, not for quantity, but for quality. Do it slowly. Ponder what God is saying to you personally.
You will then see the Bible continues to be a living document, God's word alive today.
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Biblical teachings still apply