Being a student of everything that matters in life begins with gaining instructions for life. If you were not aware of this manual for life called the Bible then I challenge you to find it, dust it off, and read it so you will always know how to live. But don’t just take my word for it.
Many spiritual intellects and successful people admit to reading at minimum a Proverb for insight and peace before beginning their day. I know the daily reading has changed my life and has helped me develop keen principles for how I conduct my affairs, find purpose, manage money, and interact with others.
Hillel the Elder, a most famous Jewish religious leader, scholar, and founder of the “House of Hillel” knew the importance of sage advice and admonished his rabbinical students to study the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) for reasons aforementioned. One of his saying reads:
“One who makes his name great causes his name to be destroyed; one who does not add [to his knowledge] causes [it] to cease; one who does not study [the Torah] deserves death; one who makes [unworthy] use of the crown [of learning] shall pass away.”
and another quote, also translated by Charles Taylor in the Pirkei Avot or Ethics of the Fathers, reads:
“If I am not for myself, who is for me? But if I am for my own self [only], what am I? And if not now, when?”
As you go about your day, week, and life, what might these words be saying to you? How do they relate to the daily study of the Torah or Bible? Do they have any relevance on our current times?
I believe the Elder’s words speak in many ways. And in the days and weeks to come, my goal is to share more on living out our purpose while also living a life pleasing to God. It’s all written in the manual and it will be my pleasure to peek inside the word of wisdom as we make our way through this place called life.
Until we meet again,
“Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make.”