Solomon tells us that the purpose of Proverbs is, “To know wisdom and instruction”. He goes on to say, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction”. So the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. What is fear of the Lord? Solomon says, “My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you…Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom”. God has chosen to reveal Himself to us through His Word. To know the Lord you must know the Word. If you receive His Word and obey His commands then you will understand the fear of the Lord.
See, we can‘t just make up our own god and what we think our own god tolerates and doesn’t tolerate. True fear of the Lord comes through the revelation of Scripture that He is the Creator of all, He knows all things past and present, He knows the heart and thoughts of every person, and He will one day judge us all. A person who fears the Lord also knows His grace and mercy for sending His Son to save us from our sinful nature and to transform us so that we desire to walk in obedience to His Word.
Solomon says, “My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands”. A person who fears the Lord not only hears and understands the Word of God but also obeys. The fool chooses not to fear the Lord or walk in His ways. “Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies. For the turning away of the simple will slay them; And the complacency of fools will destroy them”. We can not trust our own thoughts and feelings; we must align all our thoughts and feelings with what God has said is true. “Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.”
Tomorrow Solomon warns of immoral women. Keep reading.
(Proverbs 1:1-4:27)
#bibleliteracymovement #chronologicalbibleteaching
Chronological Bible in Layman's Terms 