What Principal Things Mean for Believers

What is a principal thing?

The concept of a 'principal thing' in Scripture identifies the central, non-negotiable priorities God establishes for human life and faith.

In Proverbs 4:23, the 'principal thing' is the heart, described as 'the wellspring of life' that must be 'guarded above all else,' emphasizing its foundational role in shaping character. Similarly, Jesus summarizes the 'principal things' of the Law in Matthew 22:37-39 as loving God with all one's being and loving neighbor as oneself, framing these as the 'great commandment.' These verses reveal that principal things are not peripheral but the axioms upon which all other teachings rest.

By highlighting these core mandates, the Bible underscores that neglecting principal things—whether spiritual integrity, relational justice, or devotion to God—undermines the purpose of all lesser obligations. This principle invites readers to continually assess what truly matters most in their walk with Christ.

Usage of Principal Things in Scripture

In Scripture, the emphasis on principal things is most vividly illustrated through Jesus' summation of the Law and Paul's exhortations to center faith and love.

Jesus crystallizes the 'principal things' of divine obligation in Matthew 22:37-39, declaring, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart... and love your neighbor as yourself,' framing these as the foundational pillars of the Law and Prophets. Proverbs 4:23 elevates the heart as the 'principal thing,' urging, 'Guard your heart with all diligence,' recognizing its role as the source of life and character. Paul echoes this prioritization in his letters, insisting that faith 'works through love' (Galatians 5:6) and that 'the greatest of these is love' (1 Corinthians 13:13), aligning spiritual devotion with relational integrity. These examples reveal that principal things are not abstract ideals but actionable priorities that anchor all other teachings.

Such teachings challenge believers to discern and safeguard what is essential, recognizing that neglecting these core mandates distorts the purpose of lesser obligations. This principle invites reflection on how modern readers might reorder their lives around these scriptural axioms.

How to Read Principal Things Correctly

Understanding 'principal things' requires discerning theological priorities while avoiding oversimplification or distortion.

First, anchor interpretations in Scripture’s own hierarchies, such as Proverbs 4:23’s emphasis on guarding the heart as the 'wellspring of life,' or Jesus’ summary in Matthew 22:37-39 that loving God and neighbor are the 'great commandment.' Second, distinguish essentials from secondary matters—Paul’s assertion that 'faith works through love' (Galatians 5:6) illustrates how core truths contextualize other teachings. Third, apply these principles relationally, recognizing that love (1 Corinthians 13:13) is the ultimate measure of all spiritual priorities.

Pitfalls include reducing principal things to legalistic checklists or isolating them from their redemptive context. By maintaining this balance, readers honor Scripture’s complexity while grounding their lives in its unchanging truths.

Going Deeper

To deepen your understanding of 'principal things,' consider related biblical priorities like the 'weightier matters of the Law' in Matthew 23:23 and the call to 'contend earnestly for the faith' in Jude 3.

Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees in Matthew 23:23—'You blind guides, straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel'—highlights how neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness distorts spiritual priorities. Similarly, Jude 3 urges believers to safeguard 'the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints,' emphasizing the non-negotiable core of Christian teaching.