“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
    but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out” — Proverbs 10:9

We continue with devotional thoughts from the Book of Proverbs every Friday. One of the 11 books in the Torah known as the Ketuvim, Hebrew for “writings,” Proverbs is part of the “wisdom tradition,” which also includes Job and Ecclesiastes.

Before the coronavirus pandemic changed our lives, we seemed to be part of a world that was moving too fast and was filled with indulgences and distractions that turned our attention away from what is truly important. The simple things didn’t seem like enough for many of us. Maybe we worked too much and didn’t spend enough time with our family. Maybe we spent our money on things we didn’t really need, thinking they would bring us happiness. Maybe we were more self-centred and neglected to take care of our homes and communities.

Then the pandemic arrived, and we were forced to slow down and ask ourselves some hard questions about what truly matters most to us in our lives. Over the course of this past year, I’ve asked myself that question and the answers I came up with pointed me back to the basic truths that I already knew. Our connection to God is fundamentally important. As are family, friends, and community. And if we have the ability to afford enough food, to be able to pay our rent, and pay for other essentials, we are extremely blessed and have everything we need to live comfortably and happily for the rest of our lives.

Embracing a Simple Life

This strange time of isolation has renewed my appreciation for living simply. While I look forward to the end of the pandemic, and life returning to normal, I hope that we can take some of the lessons that we learned and create a new and better “normal.”

In Proverbs, King Solomon advised us to live a simple life. He wrote, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.” The Hebrew word employed in this verse, which is translated as “integrity,” is tom. When translated literally, tom means both “simple” and “complete.” This is because the one who embraces a simple life feels whole and complete. Such a person “walks securely,” without the worries and stress of an overly complicated life.

No matter how complicated our lives have become, we can choose to make some changes and lead a simpler life going forward. And when we do, not only will we be happier and more satisfied, but also better servants of God.

Your turn: What changes might you make to your life so that it is less complicated and more complete? What other insights have you gained through experiencing the pandemic? Share with us in the comments section below!