Psalms 34:14
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
Psalms 34:14
This verse frames a simple, decisive ethical move: depart from evil, do good, seek peace, and pursue it. The language echoes ancient law codes: moral separation from wickedness and a proactive pursuit of righteousness. The order matters. First, separation from evil creates space for God’s healing work. Then, doing good embodies a life oriented outward toward others. Finally, seeking and pursuing peace reflects a posture of reconciliation and harmony—an overarching aim in a society fractured by conflict. In the historical setting, Israel wrestled with surrounding nations and internal moral failures. The psalmist’s call is a community-wide ethic: identify evil, refuse it, and actively cultivate virtue that fosters peace. The “seek peace, and pursue it” language resonates with the prophetic as well as Psalter themes where peace is both a divine blessing and a human obligation.
The verse highlights redemptive action: God’s people are called not merely to abstain from wrong but to actively participate in good, and to seek peace as a major objective of daily life. It foreshadows the New Testament emphasis that believers are called to be agents of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). The pursuit of peace implies humility, courage, and gospel-shaped living. Theologically, it aligns with the idea that the creation is fractured by sin and needs restoration; humans participate by choosing righteousness, doing good, and promoting peace in tangible ways—within families, workplaces, and communities.
Identify one area where conflict lingers in your life—family, work, or neighborhood. Commit to steps that embody this verse: choose not to retaliate when provoked, offer tangible acts of kindness, and actively pursue peaceful solutions—mediating disagreements, apologizing when you’re wrong, and inviting dialogue. Build a culture of peace by modeling respectful speech, listening before replying, and seeking common ground. If you’re in leadership, promote policies that reduce friction and care for the vulnerable. The verse invites a posture of consistent moral action—peace-seeking that does not compromise truth. Practically, start with a simple project: organize a neighborly gathering, volunteer together, or initiate a conflict-resolution plan at work. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, care, and reconciliation.
Cross-References: Romans 12:18; Isaiah 2:4; Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 12:14; James 3:18