Proverbs 1 - 1.1.25

Scripture

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Observation

God loves each one of us so much that he was willing to send his son to die in order to wash away our sin and make us clean. But that great love does give us a free pass to do whatever we want. He is a mighty and powerful God, deserving of our honor, respect, and obedience.

Application

The fear of the Lord can be explained as extreme respect. We show respect for things like fire or vehicles at high speeds – things that come with consequences if the rules aren’t followed. Likewise, although God loves us so much (or maybe even because he loves us so much), even though sin is forgiven, there are still consequences that follow our decisions or actions. We need to understand that we serve a holy and mighty God.

Deuteronomy 10:12 And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom – the first thing or the best thing. We must give priority to the things of God.

“The fear of the Lord is the principal virtue that keeps you on the wisdom journey after you have begun. This counters the idea that wisdom is about being a smart, savvy, and skillful person. Wisdom is not about what you can do, but about how you live your life before the Lord.” Ryan Patrick O’Doud

Prayer

Thank you for the reminder this morning that you are a holy and righteous God, deserving of my adoration and respect. If I want to grow in relationship with you, I must keep you as my highest priority – listening to your voice, learning from your word, and accepting correction when I stray. Thank you that your mercies are new every morning. Help me to honor you with my thoughts and actions today.

- Debbie Dunn