Psalm 34:12-14
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This verse isn't just a general question about wanting a good life; it's a rhetorical challenge highlighting humanity's deep, inherent desire for well-being and longevity. The phrasing "that he may see good" emphasizes that the ultimate goal isn't just more days, but days filled with positive, God-given flourishing.
What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist has just recounted God's deliverance from deep distress and is now turning to encourage others to seek God. He issues a warm invitation to listen and learn the "fear of the Lord," framing this teaching as the path to a good and long life. This verse poses a rhetorical question, highlighting that the desire for a life filled with good days is universal, setting the stage for the instructions that follow.
The verse asks about desiring 'life' and 'many days.' But what kind of life are we truly longing for? Is it just about breathing and counting years, or something far more profound?
The Hebrew word for 'life' here (chayyim) is often used in the plural, pointing not just to biological existence, but to a fullness of life. It’s about vitality, flourishing, and experiencing God's goodness.
This isn't just a wish for longevity, but for quality days. The phrase 'that he may see good' emphasizes experiencing well-being and God's favor. The commentaries highlight that this isn't a trivial desire, but a deep human longing for true flourishing, often contrasted with mere survival or a life filled with trouble.
The Psalmist doesn't just state a fact; he poses a rhetorical question. It's designed to make us pause and consider our deepest desires.
The question 'What man is there...?' isn't asking if anyone desires life. We all do! Instead, it's a powerful way to highlight a disconnect. Many people say they want a good, long life, but their actions and pursuits don't align with that desire.
Commentaries suggest this question is a gentle rebuke of humanity's 'blindness and folly' (Calvin) in seeking happiness through wrong means. It’s an invitation to examine if our pursuit of life and good aligns with God's ways, implying that the path to true, lasting good is not found in the world's usual strategies.
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chayyim · Hebrew Noun
In biblical wisdom literature, this often refers to the fullness of blessing, prosperity, and communion with God. It encompasses both physical longevity and the spiritual quality of life in covenantal relationship with the Creator.
ra' · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
That which is morally reprehensible, worthless, or detrimental to one's relationship with God and others. It represents anything that is contrary to God’s character or will.
mirmah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to treachery, falsehood, or craftiness in speech. It is the act of intentionally misleading others, which is fundamentally opposed to the truthfulness of God.
shalom · Hebrew Noun
The Hebrew concept of wholeness, completeness, prosperity, and welfare. It involves not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of right relationship with God and others.
Peter directly quotes and applies this verse, equating a desire for a long and good life with the need to guard one's tongue and live in peace, showing how ancient wisdom continues to guide believers.
Proverbs 3:13-16This passage from Proverbs echoes the sentiment of Psalm 34:12 by highlighting the immense value and blessing of wisdom, which leads to a life of 'many days' filled with prosperity and peace, much like the 'good' the Psalmist speaks of.
Galatians 5:22-23The 'good' that one desires to 'see' in a long life is powerfully illustrated by the fruit of the Spirit described here, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—qualities essential for a truly flourishing life.
Matthew 5:5Jesus' teaching that 'the meek shall inherit the earth' directly relates to the desire for a good life and many days; it suggests that true inheritance and lasting good come not through striving and aggression, but through a gentle and humble spirit.
calvinPsalms 34:11-14: "Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD."
Come, children, hearken unto me, I will teach you the fear of Jehovah. 12. Who is the man who desireth life, loving days in which he may see good? 13. Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking deceit. 14. Turn away from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
Come, children, [696] hearken unto me. The Psalmist continues, with increased earnestness, to exhort the faithful, tha…
clarkePsalms 34:12: "What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?"
What man is he that desireth life - He who wishes to live long and to live happily, let him act according to the following directions. For a comment upon this and the four ensuing verses, see the notes on 1 Peter 3:10-12 (note).
This verse isn't just a general question about wanting a good life; it's a rhetorical challenge highlighting humanity's deep, inherent desire for well-being and longevity. The phrasing "that he may see good" emphasizes that the ultimate goal isn't just more days, but days filled with positive, God-given flourishing.
The psalmist has just recounted God's deliverance from deep distress and is now turning to encourage others to seek God. He issues a warm invitation to listen and learn the "fear of the Lord," framing this teaching as the path to a good and long life. This verse poses a rhetorical question, highlighting that the desire for a life filled with good days is universal, setting the stage for the instructions that follow.
The psalmist has just recounted God's deliverance from deep distress and is now turning to encourage others to seek God. He issues a warm invitation to listen and learn the "fear of the Lord," framing this teaching as the path to a good and long life. This verse poses a rhetorical question, highlighting that the desire for a life filled with good days is universal, setting the stage for the instructions that follow.
"What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." — This verse isn't just a general question about wanting a good life; it's a rhetorical challenge highlighting humanity's deep, inherent desire for well-being and longevity. The phrasing "that he may s…
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Last reviewed October 2026
