…O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

 

For years in a row, Finland has ranked No. 1 as the happiest country in the world, according to the World Happiness Report.[1]

 

What are the Fins doing that makes them so happy? It’s more like what they aren’t doing, says a Finnish researcher. Interestingly, the Bible gives advice that the Fins are demonstrating whether they know or not.

 

To start, Fins don’t compare themselves to their neighbors. A famous line of Finnish poetry translates to something like: “Don’t compare or brag about your happiness,”[2] and the Bible says, “…be satisfied with what you have.” “Pay careful attention to your own work, for then…you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. (Hebrews 13:5, Galatians 6:4).

 

Also, Fins don’t overlook the benefit of nature. Eighty-seven percent of Fins say it’s important to be outside. So, the writer of Psalm 23 told that God brought him rest in “green meadows,” leading him by “peaceful streams” and that in this natural setting God renewed his strength (Psalm 23:2,3a).

 

Finally, Fins don’t break what they call a community circle of trust. For example, in Finland, dropped wallets were returned to their owners 11 out of 12 times, an experiment showed.[3] Paul, the apostle of Jesus reminds His followers, “…stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth.” “We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable” (Ephesians 4:25a, 2 Corinthians 8:21).

 

Thanks to the happy people of Finland for validating the life-giving principles God gave us to live by!

 

[1] Martela, Frank. “I’m a Psychology Expert in Finland, the No. 1 Happiest Country in the World-Here Are 3 Things We Never Do.” CNBC, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2023, https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/05/what-people-in-finland-happiest-country-in-world-never-do-according-to-psychologist.html.

 

[2] Ibid.

 

[3] Ibid.