Wise Sayings Part 3
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“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” (Proverbs 1:7, NIV).
What does it mean to fear the Lord? Surely it encompasses the idea of reverence and awe, but how exactly do we practice it? It’s a difficult concept to understand, so I underlined the phrase in purple whenever it appeared in the book of Proverbs, to see what could be learned.
There are many benefits for the one who fears the Lord:
- he has a secure fortress (14:26)
- it is a fountain of life (14:27)
- it teaches a man wisdom (15:33)
- humility and the fear of the LORD brings wealth and honor and life (22:4)
- a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised (31:30)
Yet the question remained, how do I fear the Lord? One verse zeroed in on my question.
“To fear the LORD is to hate evil” (Proverbs 8:13, NIV).
Here is practical instruction that contains direction for both our attitude and our actions. When looking beyond the Proverbs, these verses came to my attention:
- “so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life” (Deuteronomy 6:2, NIV).
- “Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only and take your oaths in His name” (Deuteronomy 6:13, NIV).
How do we fear the Lord? We fear Him by obeying His commands, by serving Him only, and by hating evil.
Holy God, teach me to fear You in this way, that I may show my reverence for You by hating evil, by obeying Your instructions and by serving You alone. Amen.
Questions: What is your understanding of fearing the Lord? Does this give you a new perspective?
About the Author Suzanne Benner
Thank you. I am a ‘visual learner’ so the bullet-style format of the devotional was good for me to see. It helped me remember quick tips for what we gain by trusting & not being afraid. Thanks.
that verse today reminded me on why i choose to live my life in such a much different manner than in recent years, you know every day i am striving for perfection and it is also nice to know that god wants to be content and happy in that process….
for me fearing the LORD means when someone has hurt me and i choose to hold on to the anger with thoughts or planning to get them back the Holy spirit reminds me of God’s words “Vengence is mine” or the other scripture (my paraphrasing) about if we gloat when He starts disciplining the other person He will stop or if i keep disobeying His word it will be like a stone rolling over my own self and all the scriptures about sowing and reaping. i stop and think about it all. i DO want to please the LORD so i get control of my actions and submit them to Him. i have “feared” Him enough to make a better choice. i only knew i had another choice because i read it in the Bible.
I’m so grateful to God. Just last night I was asking God for heavenly wisdom for this season in my life. Reading this devotional today was a direct answer to my prayer. The reverancing God, Loving God, and believing in the power of Christ and the cross is the beginning of the wisdom the Father longs for us all to obtain… Thank you so much for this word!