Psalms 90:10

“The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”

Threescore is 60, plus ten equals 70. The phrase "living on borrowed time" comes from this passage. Anyone living beyond 70 is considered to be living on borrowed time.

All of Hulk Hogan's physicality and bodily care got him one extra year?

This reminds me of Euell Gibbons, health nut and spokesperson for Post Grape-Nuts cereal. Who died at the ripe old age of 64 years.

"Did You Ever Eat A Pine Tree?" - Euell Gibbons, 1974 television commercial for Post Grape-Nuts cereal, he died the next year.

While I am not advocating for a completely sedentary lifestyle and eating only junk food, we must always remember that the number of our days are limited, and are in the hands of the Living God, not ours.

Striving for length of days merely by physical means, thinking that eating herbs and pine trees impresses God? Well lets have a look at God's regimen for long life.

Foundational Pillars of Longevity in Scripture

Scripture offers a rich tapestry of principles that form God’s regimen for long life—not merely in years, but in purpose, peace, and legacy. Here’s a structured list drawn from the KJV and supported by biblical themes:

God's Regimen for Long Life: A Devotional Reflection (KJV)

Reverence Begins at Home

God promises longevity to those who honor their parents. The call to reverence isn't just familial—it’s foundational. "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long..." (Exodus 20:12). This commandment is echoed in Ephesians, reminding believers that obedience isn’t just moral—it’s medicinal for the soul and the body.

2. Fear of the Lord: A Fountain of Days

Proverbs affirms that “The fear of the Lord prolongeth days” (10:27). To fear God is not to cower, but to live in awe, recognizing His authority and aligning our lives, that being our "conversation", accordingly. It’s this alignment that opens the way for spiritual vitality and bodily peace.

The Gift of Wisdom and Righteousness

Solomon, speaking as a father to a son, says: “Forget not my law… length of days and long life and peace shall they add to thee.” (Proverbs 3:1–2). Wisdom isn’t just intellectual; it’s moral and relational, our relation with God. Righteousness, infused with understanding, carries restorative power.

Guarding the Tongue, Preserving the Life

David asks, “What man is he that desireth life…?” His answer: “Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.” (Psalm 34:12–13). The spoken word reflects the heart’s health; words can heal or wither. God’s regimen includes restraint and truthfulness in speech.

Obedience as Lifelong Medicine

Deuteronomy declares: “Walk in all the ways… that ye may prolong your days.” (5:33). Scripture repeatedly links obedience with preservation—living as God designed us to live nurtures both longevity and purpose.

Finding Refuge in the Almighty

In one of the most intimate promises, God says: “With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:16). Trust isn’t passive—it’s a daily resting in God’s shelter. The reward? Satisfaction that outlives mere years.

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Folly

Solomon warns: “Be not over much wicked… why shouldest thou die before thy time?” (Ecclesiastes 7:17). God’s regimen isn’t just prescriptive; it’s protective. Avoiding destructive paths lengthens the journey and lightens the load.

Faithfulness Across Generations

God tells Israel: “That thou mightest fear the Lord… that thy days may be prolonged.” (Deuteronomy 6:2). Generational fidelity to God’s statutes doesn’t just influence children—it echoes into lifespans and legacies.

The Healing Power of Joy

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine,” says Proverbs 17:22. Emotional health and spiritual joy are not mere accessories—they are essential ingredients in God’s prescription for life.

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, not of the believer.

Galatians 5:22

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,”

Yours in Him,

Tony Pritchard