1 “Now this isathe commandment, andtheseare the statutes and judgments which the Lord your God has commanded to teach you, that you may observe them in the land which you are crossing over to possess,
2athat you may fear the Lord your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, band that your days may be prolonged.
3 Therefore hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe it, that it may be well with you, and that you may amultiply greatly bas the Lord God of your fathers has promised you—c‘a land flowing with milk and honey.’
4a“Hear, O Israel:1 The Lord our God, the Lordis one!
5aYou shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, bwith all your soul, and with all your strength.
6 “And athese words which I command you today shall be in your heart.
7aYou shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
Obeying the fifth commandment automatically builds habits and character that promote long life (Proverbs 4:10-11). A child trained in biblical principles and God's way of life will avoid recklessness, violence, immorality, and rebellion against authority that often result in premature death.
