Living Righteously: Tobit’s Timeless Advice for a Godly Life

Executive Summary ✨

Tobit Chapter 4 stands as a powerful testament to the enduring wisdom passed down through generations. This chapter details the poignant instructions and heartfelt advice of Tobit to his son, Tobias, before the latter embarks on a perilous journey. More than just practical guidance, Tobit imparts profound spiritual principles rooted in righteousness, almsgiving, justice, and the fear of the Lord. We see a father’s deep concern for his son’s physical and spiritual well-being intertwined with timeless ethical directives. The chapter emphasizes the importance of honoring God through acts of charity, adherence to His commandments, and maintaining unwavering faith even amidst adversity. This profound passage invites us to reflect on our own lives, urging us to embrace these principles and cultivate a life pleasing to God. Through a careful examination of each verse, we can unlock the timeless wisdom of Tobit and apply it to our modern existence, ensuring a path guided by faith and righteousness. Let’s delve deeper into the life lessons of Living Righteously.

Introduction: The Book of Tobit, though not universally accepted in the Protestant canon, holds significant spiritual value within the Coptic Orthodox tradition and is considered canonical. Chapter 4 specifically presents a father’s charge to his son, encapsulating core values of faith and ethical living. This is not simply a farewell speech, but a spiritual testament, a roadmap for navigating life’s complexities with God at the center. Today, we dissect Tobit’s instructions, extracting enduring wisdom applicable to our modern world.

Commentary: Tobit’s Teachings Unveiled 📜

Tobit 4:1-2 – The Weight of Blindness and the Hope of Inheritance

Tobit 4:1 (KJV): In that day Tobit remembered the money which he had committed to Gabael in Rages of Media.

Tobit 4:1 (NKJV): On that day Tobit remembered the money which he had entrusted to Gabael in Rages of Media.

Tobit 4:2 (KJV): And he said with himself, I have asked death. wherefore do I not call for Tobias my son, that I may signify to him of the money before I die?

Tobit 4:2 (NKJV): Then he said to himself, “I have begged death. Why do I not call Tobias my son, that I may inform him about the money before I die?”

Commentary: Tobit, now blind and facing death, recalls the silver he entrusted to Gabael. This seemingly simple act reveals several important points. First, it highlights the importance of financial responsibility and fulfilling commitments. Second, it underscores Tobit’s concern for his son’s future welfare. Finally, it emphasizes the awareness of mortality and the need to prepare for the afterlife. Tobit’s blindness, while a physical limitation, paradoxically sharpens his spiritual focus. The silver represents not only material wealth but also the trust and responsibility passed down from one generation to the next.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius, in his writings on wealth and charity, emphasizes that earthly possessions are fleeting but acts of righteousness endure. (Αθανάσιος, Περὶ πλουσίων καὶ πενήτων, Peri plousion kai peneton – “Concerning the Rich and the Poor”). This aligns with Tobit’s focus on ethical conduct as the true measure of a person’s worth.

Spiritual Application: In our own lives, we should reflect on how we manage our resources, both material and spiritual. Are we using them to honor God and benefit others? Are we mindful of our mortality and preparing for the eternal inheritance? Do we strive to handle our financial responsibilities with integrity, ensuring that our actions reflect our faith? Don’t forget to safeguard your online presence by using reliable resources to host your website. For trusted website hosting check out this link.

Tobit 4:3-4 – A Father’s Charge: Righteousness and Almsgiving

Tobit 4:3 (KJV): And when he had called him, he said, Son, when I am dead, bury me; and despise not thy mother, but honour her all the days of thy life, and do that which shall please her, and grieve her not.

Tobit 4:3 (NKJV): When he had called him, he said: “My son, when I am dead, bury me, and do not despise your mother, but honor her all the days of your life, and do what is pleasing to her, and do not grieve her.

Tobit 4:4 (KJV): Remember her, my son, because she saw many dangers for thee, when thou wast in her womb. When she is dead, bury her beside me in one grave.

Tobit 4:4 (NKJV): Remember her, my son, because she saw many dangers for you when you were in her womb. And when she is dead, bury her beside me in one grave.

Commentary: Tobit’s instructions begin with filial piety: burying him and honoring his mother. This emphasizes the sacredness of family relationships within the Coptic Orthodox tradition. Honoring parents is not merely a social custom but a divine commandment (Exodus 20:12). The phrase “she saw many dangers for you when you were in her womb” underscores the profound sacrifice and love of a mother. Burying them together symbolizes the enduring bond of marriage, even in death.

Patristic Insight: St. John Chrysostom emphasizes the spiritual benefits of honoring parents, stating that it opens the door to blessings and longevity (Ἰωάννης Χρυσόστομος, Εἰς Ἐφεσίους, “Homilies on Ephesians”).

Spiritual Application: Are we honoring our parents, both living and deceased? Do we appreciate the sacrifices they have made for us? Are we nurturing family relationships and upholding the sanctity of marriage? We are called to demonstrate love, respect, and care, recognizing the divine value placed on these bonds.

Tobit 4:5-6 – The Path of Righteousness and Avoiding Sin

Tobit 4:5 (KJV): My son, be mindful of the Lord our God all thy days, and let not thy will be set to sin, or to transgress his commandments: do uprightly all thy life long, and follow not the ways of unrighteousness.

Tobit 4:5 (NKJV): My son, remember the Lord our God all your days; and do not desire to sin or transgress His commandments. Do righteousness all your life, and do not walk in the ways of unrighteousness.

Tobit 4:6 (KJV): For if thou deal truly, thy doings shall prosperously succeed to thee, and to all them that live justly.

Tobit 4:6 (NKJV): For if you deal truthfully, your deeds will prosper, as will all those who live righteously.

Commentary: The core of Tobit’s advice is encapsulated in these verses: remember God, avoid sin, and live righteously. This is not merely a suggestion but a fundamental principle for a life pleasing to God. “Let not thy will be set to sin” highlights the importance of intentionality and self-control. Righteousness leads to prosperity, not necessarily in material wealth, but in spiritual fulfillment and blessings. The connection to Proverbs and other wisdom books underscores this principle (Proverbs 12:28). Living Righteously is key to a successful life.

Patristic Insight: St. Basil the Great stresses that righteousness is not merely abstaining from sin, but actively pursuing good works and striving to imitate Christ (Βασίλειος ὁ Μέγας, Περὶ τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος, “On the Holy Spirit”).

Spiritual Application: Are we mindful of God in all our thoughts and actions? Are we actively resisting temptation and striving to live a life of righteousness? Do we understand that true prosperity comes from a relationship with God and a commitment to His will? Consider how you can adjust your daily habits to remember God more frequently and intentionally choose righteousness over sin.

Tobit 4:7-11 – Almsgiving and Compassion: A Pathway to Redemption

Tobit 4:7 (KJV): Give alms of thy substance; and when thou givest alms, let not thine eye be evil, neither turn thy face from any poor.

Tobit 4:7 (NKJV): Give alms from your possessions, and do not let your eye be envious when you give alms.

Tobit 4:8 (KJV): Turn not away thy face from any poor, and the face of God shall not be turned away from thee.

Tobit 4:8 (NKJV): Do not turn your face from any poor person; then the face of God shall not be turned away from you.

Tobit 4:9 (KJV): If thou hast abundance give alms accordingly; if thou have but a little, be not afraid to give according to that little:

Tobit 4:9 (NKJV): If you have abundance, give alms accordingly; if you have little, do not be afraid to give according to that little.

Tobit 4:10 (KJV): For thou layest up a good treasure for thyself against the day of necessity.

Tobit 4:10 (NKJV): For you lay up a good treasure for yourself against the day of necessity.

Tobit 4:11 (KJV): Because that alms do deliver from death, and suffereth not to come into darkness.

Tobit 4:11 (NKJV): Because alms deliver from death, and will purge away every sin.

Commentary: These verses profoundly emphasize the transformative power of almsgiving. Tobit encourages Tobias to give generously and cheerfully, without begrudging the poor. “Turn not away thy face from any poor” speaks to the importance of compassion and recognizing the inherent dignity of every human being, regardless of their circumstances. Almsgiving is not merely a charitable act but a spiritual investment, “a good treasure for thyself against the day of necessity.” The phrase “alms do deliver from death” is particularly significant, highlighting its redemptive power and its ability to cleanse sin. This aligns with the teaching of the early Church that almsgiving is a form of repentance. In the Coptic tradition, giving to the poor is not optional but a deeply ingrained aspect of our faith, and is often associated with deliverance from sin.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyprian of Carthage emphasizes that almsgiving is a form of spiritual sacrifice that pleases God and atones for sin (Κυπριανός, Περὶ Ἔργων καὶ Ἐλεημοσυνῶν, “On Works and Almsgiving”).

Spiritual Application: Are we giving generously to those in need? Are we doing so with a joyful and compassionate heart? Do we recognize the redemptive power of almsgiving and its ability to cleanse us from sin? Consider ways you can actively practice almsgiving in your daily life, whether it be through monetary donations, volunteering your time, or simply offering a helping hand to someone in need. Reflect on the connection between compassion, generosity, and spiritual growth.

Tobit 4:12-13 – Avoiding Immorality and Choosing a Wife of Godly Lineage

Tobit 4:12 (KJV): Beware of all whoredom, my son, and chiefly take a wife of the seed of thy fathers, and take thee not a strange woman, which is not of thy father’s tribe: for we are the children of the prophets, Noe, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: remember, my son, that our fathers from the beginning, even that they might not marry strange women, that they were blessed, and increased.

Tobit 4:12 (NKJV): Beware, my son, of every form of sexual immorality. First of all, take a wife from among the descendants of your fathers, and do not take a foreign woman who is not of your father’s tribe; because we are sons of the prophets. Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob remembered, my son, that our fathers from the beginning chose wives from among their brethren, and were blessed in their children, and their seed shall inherit the land.

Tobit 4:13 (KJV): Now therefore, my son, love thy brethren, and despise not in thy heart thy brethren, and the sons and daughters of thy people, to take one of them to wife: for in multitude of children is destruction, and in multitude of people is immortality.

Tobit 4:13 (NKJV): Now therefore, my son, love your brethren, and do not disdain in your heart your brethren, the sons and daughters of your people, to take a wife from among them. For in pride is destruction and disorder, and in wickedness is decay. Furthermore, in idleness there is weakness.

Commentary: Tobit cautions Tobias against sexual immorality and encourages him to marry within his own people. This instruction reflects the importance of maintaining cultural and religious identity. Marrying within the lineage of the prophets ensures the continuation of faith and tradition. While the emphasis on marrying within the tribe might seem culturally specific, the underlying principle is to choose a spouse who shares your values and faith, creating a foundation for a strong and God-centered marriage.

Patristic Insight: The importance of selecting a spouse who shared the same faith was also supported by the early church fathers. They believed this contributed to a peaceful and God-fearing home.

Spiritual Application: Are we guarding ourselves against sexual immorality? Are we seeking partners who share our values and faith? Do we understand the importance of a strong spiritual foundation in marriage? In the context of modern society, this principle calls us to be discerning in our relationships, prioritizing spiritual compatibility and shared values over superficial attractions.

Tobit 4:14-16 – Wisdom, Counsel, and Honest Wages

Tobit 4:14 (KJV): In idleness is much mischief.

Tobit 4:14 (NKJV): In idleness is much mischief.

Tobit 4:15 (KJV): My son, defraud not any man of his hire, but pay him presently his wages, and tarry not to give it him.

Tobit 4:15 (NKJV): My son, do not defraud anyone of his wages, but pay him promptly.

Tobit 4:16 (KJV): What thou hatest, do it not to another.

Tobit 4:16 (NKJV): Do not do to another what you yourself hate.

Commentary: Tobit provides practical guidance on honest labor and fair treatment. “Defraud not any man of his hire” underscores the importance of justice and integrity in business dealings. Paying wages promptly is not only ethically right but also a reflection of respect for the worker’s dignity. “What thou hatest, do it not to another” encapsulates the Golden Rule, a universal principle found in various religious traditions.

Patristic Insight: St. Augustine emphasizes the importance of treating others as we wish to be treated, citing this principle as a cornerstone of Christian ethics (Αὐγουστῖνος, Enarrationes in Psalmos, “Expositions on the Psalms”).

Spiritual Application: Are we treating others fairly in our professional and personal lives? Are we honoring our commitments and fulfilling our obligations? Are we living by the Golden Rule, treating others with the same respect and consideration we desire for ourselves? How do your professional ethics reflect your faith?

Tobit 4:17-19 – Seeking Counsel and Remembering God

Tobit 4:17 (KJV): Drink not wine to drunkenness, neither let drunkenness go with thee in thy journey.

Tobit 4:17 (NKJV): Do not drink wine to excess, and do not let drunkenness go with you on your journey.

Tobit 4:18 (KJV): Give of thy bread to the hungry, and of thy garments to them that are naked; and according to thine abundance give alms; and let not thine eye be evil when thou givest alms.

Tobit 4:18 (NKJV): Give your bread to the hungry, and your clothing to the naked. Whatever you have in surplus, minister to the poor, and do not let your eye be envious when you give alms.

Tobit 4:19 (KJV): Lay out thy bread and thy wine upon the burial of the just, but give nothing to the wicked.

Tobit 4:19 (NKJV): Pour out your bread and wine on the graves of the righteous, but give nothing to the wicked.

Commentary: Tobit continues with practical advice, cautioning against drunkenness and reiterating the importance of charity. He advises Tobias to provide for the needs of the poor and to offer provisions at the burial of the righteous. The instruction to “give nothing to the wicked” is more complex and can be interpreted as a call to discernment, supporting those who live according to God’s will while avoiding enabling or encouraging those who actively reject righteousness.

Patristic Insight: Giving to the departed has been common practice within the church. Commemorating the just and remembering them through almsgiving, remembering their deeds, and praying for the forgiveness of their sins.

Spiritual Application: Are we exercising moderation in our habits and avoiding excesses that could lead us astray? Are we actively seeking opportunities to help those in need? Do we strive to support and encourage those who are living righteously, while maintaining discernment in our interactions with those who reject God’s ways? How do we find the balance between helping others and enabling harmful behavior?

Practical Applications for Modern Life 💡

Tobit’s advice, though rooted in ancient context, provides timeless wisdom for modern living. Here are some key takeaways:

• Prioritize Family: Honor your parents, nurture family relationships, and build a strong spiritual foundation within your household.
• Embrace Righteousness: Be mindful of God in all your actions, resist temptation, and strive to live a life of integrity.
• Practice Almsgiving: Give generously to those in need, both materially and spiritually, with a joyful and compassionate heart.
• Seek Godly Counsel: Surround yourself with wise and faithful advisors who can provide guidance and support.
• Live with Integrity: Be honest and fair in all your dealings, treating others with respect and dignity.
• Exercise Moderation: Avoid excesses and strive for balance in all aspects of your life, from food and drink to work and leisure.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Tobit Chapter 4:

Q: Why is Tobit so concerned about Tobias marrying within his own people?

A: Tobit’s concern stems from a desire to preserve their religious and cultural identity. Marrying within the lineage of the prophets ensures that their children will be raised in the same faith and tradition, maintaining a strong spiritual heritage. This principle encourages us to choose partners who share our core values and beliefs.

Q: How can almsgiving “deliver from death?”

A: Almsgiving is not simply a charitable act but a spiritual investment. It reflects a compassionate heart and a willingness to share God’s blessings with others. This act of love and sacrifice can purify our hearts, atone for our sins, and ultimately lead to eternal life. In essence, it transforms our earthly wealth into heavenly treasures. If you need help with other tasks such as social media management, consider checking out social media management tools

Q: What does it mean to “lay out thy bread and thy wine upon the burial of the just?”

A: This refers to the practice of offering food and drink at the graves of the righteous as a sign of respect and remembrance. It symbolizes the hope of resurrection and the communion of saints. While the specific customs may vary, the underlying principle is to honor those who have lived faithfully and to remember their examples in our own lives.

Q: How can I apply Tobit’s advice to my daily life in a practical way?

A: Start by reflecting on your values and priorities. Are you honoring your parents, living righteously, and giving generously? Identify areas where you can improve and set specific goals for yourself. Seek Godly counsel, surround yourself with positive influences, and consistently strive to live a life that pleases God.

Conclusion ✨

Tobit Chapter 4 offers a timeless roadmap for Living Righteously, emphasizing the importance of faith, family, and ethical conduct. Tobit’s instructions to his son are not merely outdated cultural practices but enduring principles that can guide us toward a life of purpose and fulfillment. By embracing these teachings, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with God, strengthen our families, and contribute to a more just and compassionate world. Let us remember that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the treasures we accumulate in heaven through acts of righteousness and love. Let us strive to live a life worthy of our calling, leaving a legacy of faith for generations to come. The wisdom of Tobit is not just for Tobias; it is for all of us, guiding us towards a life pleasing to God.

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Tobit 4, Tobit, Tobias, Righteousness, Almsgiving, Family, Faith, Morality, Wisdom, Coptic Orthodox

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