Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as THE NEW ENGLISH BIBLE; being entitled: THE NEW ENGLISH BIBLE WITH THE APOCRYPHA. Psalm 128:1 reads as follows:
"1 Happy are all who fear the LORD, who live according to his will."
The psalmist, here, presents the requirement for happiness.
If one fears the LORD, it follows that he or she will live according to His will. What is His will? The heavenly Father ( see Matthew 5:9, 16; 6:9, 14, for example ) desires that we love our neighbor as ourself ( see Matthew 22:39, for example ), for example.
One inherent lesson, in this passage from the Holy Bible, is a love of self, though we are not to think too highly in this regard ( see Romans 12:3, for example ). This love of self means that we will not intentionally harm ourselves, rather, we provide and care for our own body, which is "how Christ treats the church, because it is his body" ( see Ephesians 5:29, 30 ). Suicidal intent violates His command ( see Ecclesiastes 12:13 and Romans 15:1-4 ( especially verse 4, for example ), for example ) for love, as it relates to oneself.
Moreover, "everyone who hates his brother is a murderer" ( see 1 John 3:15 ). A second lesson Jesus ( see Matthew 22:29 ) taught ( as referenced above - see also John 8:26; 10:30; 14:6, Romans 1:20 ( see Romans 1:20 ( KJV, for example; with center-column references, for example ) to get the equivalent translation for the word "Godhead" ), Colossians 2:8, 9, and 1 John 5:7 ( KJV, for example ), for example ) is that of having the same love for one's neighbor as for self. Love "thinks no evil" ( see 1 Corinthians 13:5; MEV, for example ) and, thus, hatred for our neighbor is a thought that must not occur. Murderous intent violates His command for love of neighbor.
Anyone who desires suicide, murder, or both, does not fear the LORD and, therefore, is not a happy individual. Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, and 151, John 17:1, 3, and 17, and 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, for example ). If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:
<rewillis1_1@juno.com>
<Russell E. Willis>.
