We will surely put you to trial
by involving you in fear and hunger
and by causing loss of property, life and earnings.
Give good tidings to those who remain steadfast in these trials.

The Qur’an - 2:155
(Translation by Sayyid Abul A'la Mawdudi)
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Sometimes I wonder how much of these things are like horoscopes, meaning they’re general statements that could apply to anyone, really. Sure, God will put you through tough times to try your faith, but aren’t atheists also going to endure tough times as well? Sure, rewards will be given to those who hold onto faith through these trials, but won’t non-believers experience good times as well? Seems like ups and down are just the natural flow of things, whether you believe in God or not.

Don’t get me wrong, I believe in God, but I wonder if with some minor tweaks omitting the spiritual nature we can boil these things down to generally good advice for all. Like this:

You’ll experience trials in life--fear, hunger, loss--but if you keep your head up, good things will come back around eventually.

I don’t know where I’m going with this exactly. Perhaps to say that wisdom can be drawn from these ancient texts by believers and non-believers alike, that they’re worth reading if you look for the right things. Everyone should strive to follow the same general principles of doing good, expressing love, respecting one another, and paying it forward to make the world a better place. These books are simply reminders of those timeless, universal lessons.