Everything has a beginning. Everything has an ending. But there is always something in between.

We return again to the theme of Proverbs: “The fear of the Lord.” But in this verse, we are told that “The Lord teaches a man wisdom.” Initially, the fear of the Lord was the beginning - the foundation of wisdom. It was presented as the most fundamental part of life. Here, it takes on a new meaning.

“The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom.” It may not seem as though there is a large difference in the two phrases, but there certainly is. In this passage, we are taught that if we fear God it can bring us into a relationship with Him where He is able to let us know what we need to change in our lives. When we make these changes - whatever they are - we will come to a greater understanding of His wisdom, of ourselves and what we need to do to grow to become more like Him.

The key word in this verse is the word “humility.” Not only will fearing God enable us to begin the process of learning His wisdom - but by becoming humble we will receive honor that comes from Him, not others. Others may recognize us; even respect us, for the wisdom we possess. They may even honor us in one way or another. But to be honored by Him is more than can be imagined.

We can only come to understand this honor by being in His presence. Kneeling before Him in worship and praise can only come from a sense of deep humility.

Prayer:  Father, we cannot understand Your holiness until we admit our sinfulness and repent in deep humility. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 15:33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.

There it is again: “The fear of the Lord!”

How many times do we need to be reminded?

Certainly, one more time. And then again, one more time. And after that, one more time - again and again.
Most of us are not only forgetful, but quite often convince ourselves that we can do it on our own when life seems to be “trouble free” and “good again.” Perhaps that’s why those “eight words” appear together so often in Scripture. In a preceding verse Solomon said that “the fear of the Lord will be a secure fortress” - a place where we will find a powerful refuge and our safety will be as certain as God Himself.

But, again, one more time, there is more. “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death,” wrote Solomon on behalf of God. What a wonderful promise to those who had gone without water and experienced drought and lost cattle and crops. We may fear many things but God is the fountain of life that never runs dry. Not only is He the fountain of life, but a source that provides refreshing, clear, clean water to quench our thirst and restore our souls daily.

How very sad for those who refuse to drink from “the fountain of life” and choose to turn to the “snares of life.” What may appear life-giving and gratifying is often a trap and cannot satisfy one’s thirst. Only “He can lead us to those still waters,” restore our souls and give us eternal life. The invitation is available to all.

But, it all begins with “The fear of the Lord.”

Prayer:  Lord, we bow before You with grateful hearts and ask that we will always approach You in fear and love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 14:27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning...”

Eight words, strung together by God, that give man the building blocks of life.

Eight words that provide the foundation for wisdom.

Eight words that are essential to understand the meaning of life.

Eight words that guarantee a joyous life.

Eight words that lead to fulfillment in life.

Eight words that point the direction for what we must do if we want to please God.

Eight words that prove the faithfulness of God.

Eight words that are the beginning of our obedience to the Lord.

Eight words that eliminate the folly of talk and teach us how to walk before God.

And once we completely and unreservedly “fear the Lord,” we will have confidence and courage to face any obstacle in life because God is bigger than anything and everything else in the universe.

But those words do not end when our lives end. They are generational and, if the believer is faithful, will be passed on from generation to generation.

Parents who want to provide safety and security and well-being for their children will do so because of their “fear of the Lord.” Scripture provides all the evidence any parent needs to realize the benefits that will come to their children if they - the parents – “fear the Lord” and are obedient to Him - no matter the cost!

Prayer:  Lord, may we take to heart the significance and importance of those eight words, “the fear of the Lord...” In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 14:26 Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.

“Have it your way” was the Burger King slogan for forty years. It’s been changed. Their new slogan is “Be Your Way.”

Why the change? In a recently released statement the management team said the new motto is intended to remind people that “they can and should live how they want anytime. It’s ok not to be perfect...Self-expression is most important; it’s our differences that make us individuals instead of robots.”

Burger King’s Senior Vice President noted in an interview “that ‘Have it Your Way’ focuses only on the purchase...the ability to customize a burger. By contrast he said, ‘Be Your Way’ is about making a connection with a person’s greater life style.” How confusing.

A “life-style” reflects our way of life; our values and attitudes. If we “be our way,” it can be dangerous. It seems to suggest that “anything goes”...there is no wrong unless we agree on right and wrong. Furthermore, no one has any right to interfere with “my way.”

Unfortunately, our ways seldom agree with the ways of God unless we have been born again. Hearts are evil, thoughts are corrupt, desires self-centered and evil ways are the life-style of the non-believer.

“To fear the Lord is to hate evil,” said Solomon. Then, speaking on behalf of God, he said, “I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.”

God’s Word and wisdom is very clear: It’s either His way or the evil way. It cannot be both.

Prayer:  Lord, living our way is the easy way - but the wrong way. Give us a deep desire to seek Your way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Proverbs 8:13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

No one that I know wants to be called a “fool.” But, this term is used fifty times in Proverbs so God must want us to know who qualifies for this title and how those who are “fools” can develop a new identity.
To begin with, the word used here for “fool” has nothing to do with one’s mental capacity. It would not be God-like to call someone a “fool” if they had no control over their thoughts and behavior. Instead, it has to do with a person’s chosen outlook on life. This person’s view is set and nothing or no one will ever be able to change it.

This “fool” is one who has no desire to invest any time in searching for wisdom. It’s thought to be some type of product that can be purchased in a book store.  Solomon makes this clear when he wrote, “Why does a fool offer the sage a fee, when he has no mind to learn.” We can’t buy wisdom!

Since true, reliable and dependable wisdom comes from God, it must then be spiritual and not mental. A fool has no reverence or respect for truth. Unfortunately, the “fool” is very comfortable with things as they are. This person refuses to “fear the Lord” and rejects His counsel. The “fool” is satisfied to live life without God.

Whatever we know of God, think of God, understand about God and believe about God comes to us from God revealing Himself to us. Atheists deny God and agnostics say they are searching for proof of God. Until a person is willing and open to see God as He has revealed Himself in His world, His Word and His Son, he will remain a fool.

Prayer: Lord, open the eyes of those who refuse to see, and the ears of those who refuse to hear Your Wisdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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