Twenty-two Habits of Unhappy People

I read an article with a similar title this week. 

http://www.infobarrel.com/22_Habits_of_Unhappy_People

As I read it, not only did I agree with the premise of those habits being part of the problem of being unhappy, but Bible verses were coming to my mind that seemed relevant to each practice mentioned. I decided to put these verses in my blog. My blog has never been for the purpose of indoctrination or evangelism, and I usually leave Scripture out of it. However, this time I feel as though I want to point out the relevance of the Bible to this 21st Century problem of unhappiness.

None of us are happy all the time, and unfortunately, I have found myself taking part in a few of these practices, and can attest first-hand to the link to unhappiness. I have started with twelve of the twenty-two habits, and at least one Bible verse to go with each one. I'll get the other ten in my next blog. An amazing (to me anyway!) tech note: If you click on the blue or red scripture reference, it will take you to the Bible Gateway site!

Chronic Complaining -Jeremiah 30:19

From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing. I will add to their numbers, and they will not be decreased; I will bring them honor, and they will not be disdained.

Retail Therapy - Philippians 4:12

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Binge Drinking - Proverbs 23:21

for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags

Worrying About the Future - Matthew 6:25

 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

Waiting for the Future - Matthew 6:34

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Lack of Hobbies - Proverbs 31 

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

Eating Poorly - Leviticus 7:24

The fat of an animal found dead or torn by wild animals may be used for any other purpose, but you must not eat it.

Leviticus 11:9 - “‘Of all the creatures living in the water of the seas and the streams you may eat any that have fins and scales.

Leviticus 25:19 - Then the land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill and live there in safety.

Talking Poorly of Others - Proverbs 11:13 - A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.  Proverbs 16:28 A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.

Holding Grudges - 2 Corinthians 2:7 Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.

Leviticus 19:18  Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

Stop Learning - Job 34:4 Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good. Proverbs 1:5  Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance

Not Following Through - James 1:4  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Hating Your Job - Ecclesiastes 9:10  Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.