Board index ‹ Specific Bible verses, texts, and passages ‹ Joshua

[Problem Solved]

Joshua 1:8 says,

"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

[jimwalton]

Sure, I have no problems with living by Joshua 1.8. The book of the Law (the Torah, the Pentateuch, whatever you choose to call it) reveals God and shows us His ways. The principles in it lead us to wisdom.

Meditation is a worthy method by which to ponder and internalize truth, so I have no problems with it.

As far as "observing to do all that is written in it," we live by the wisdom contained in it, not by the rules of life it contains (which were written for Israel under the theocracy). The revelation of God in the Law of Moses is still a foundation for life contained in the principles of that Law. As Paul said in Romans 3.31, we still respect the Law, even though we are now under a different standard.

> "For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

This is a parable, not a promise. All things considered, a person who lives by the wisdom God teaches will in general be a responsible, hard-working, honest, godly person who will generally find success in what he does and will prosper in life.