"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE CONCERNING THE FEAR OF THE LORD AND IT'S BLESSING"
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Proverbs 1:8 “My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother;”
Proverbs 1:9 “For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. To fear God is the beginning of having knowledge.
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
The fear spoken of here, is not one of being terrified.
Rather it speaks of respect for God.
That respect can and ought to include a healthy fear of Him.
But, having this respect/fear of God is the beginning of having knowledge.
There is much knowledge to be gained in this life.
But this knowledge is the most valuable.
And it becomes ours as we learn to respect God and walk in that respect day by day.
2. Only fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
A man can be wise, or he can be foolish.
The choice is up to him.
God wants us to be wise.
A wise man respects/fears God.
A foolish man on the other hand despises wisdom and instruction.
God is wise, God is wisdom, and His instruction is pure and the greatest there is.
How foolish to think we might know better than God.
I'm afraid sometimes we do.
3. We ought to listen to what our Father teaches us.
Proverbs 1:8 “My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother;”
Proverbs was written by Solomon and is a record of a father speaking to his son.
But, it's good application to view Proverbs as our heavenly Father speaking to His earthly children.
And, here we are simply encouraged to listen to what our Father would say to us.
And contextually for children not to forsake the teaching of their mothers.
God does speak to us through His Word.
It serves us well, and brings joy to God's heart when we listen to Him, and do what He says to do.
4. What we learn from God will be a crown of grace and honor in our lives.
Proverbs 1:8 “My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother;”
The blessing of fearing God and listening to Him is stated here.
What we learn from God will crown our lives if you will.
God will crown our lives with grace and honor.
It sure makes sense to fear God and listen to Him day by day.
Who is wiser than God?
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it a blessing to know that we can actually have the best knowledge available to man?
2. And isn't it a blessing to know that God wants to give us this knowledge?
3. Do you ever struggle with the concept of fearing God?
4. If you do struggle with it, will you ask Him to give you insight and wisdom into your struggle?
5. Will you please look forward to God's crowing your life with grace and honor this coming year?
A Prayer:
Father, like the Psalms, how we enjoy the Proverbs. The Psalms lift us up to the heavens, and the Proverbs help us walk carefully and wisely down here on earth. You connect heaven and earth for us through these two books in Your holy Bible.
Thank You for them both. May we take to heart Your instruction, and learn to walk in the fear of the Lord. May we respect You and obey You. And may we thank You in advance for your crowning grace and honor in our lives as You have promised. In Jesus’ name, amen.
