Taking a Walk Thru Proverbs

HOW TO GAIN TRUE KNOWLEDGE

Proverbs 1:7 New Living Translation

“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,    but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

          The phrase ‘fear of the Lord’ is a curious one. Are we to be afraid of God, as we would be someone who might do us harm? No, in the case of ‘fear’ used in this way we are to look at it as follows: having a loving reverence that includes being submissive to his Lordship and the standards found in his word. It is to look upon the Lord with awe and respect for who he is according to scripture. The same man who wrote Proverbs concluded the Book of Ecclesiastes in the following way: “Here is my final conclusion: Fear God & obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty”_{(Ecclesiastes 12:13).} So whenever you see the phrase ‘fear the Lord’ or ‘fear God’ know it is not fear as we generally mean fear, but awe and respect for who God is. If we desire of find true wisdom, self-discipline and guidance on how to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to the one who created us, then we have a healthy ‘fear’ of God.

            A fool is a person who is ignorant; “One who is deficient in judgment, sense, or understanding.” Judgment and either reward or punishment is coming to all on the last day. Unbelievers will stand at the Great White Throne judgment of God _{(Rev. 20:11-15)} and believers will stand before Christ at the Bema or Mercy Seat. _{(1 Cor. 3:10-15; 2 Cor. 5:10)}  Unbelievers stand alone, believers stand with an advocate, the one who paid our sin debt.  The final day will be a day of retribution, as both punishment and reward will be distributed based on what you did with Christ in this life.  That is why it is said that we all have a very important decision to make, to accept and serve God or not. To reject God’s gracious gift of forgiveness is to punch your ticket for a one way trip to eternal separation from God with no second chance to do it again. Is your life right with God?

            Believers in Christ can tend to get “weary of well doing” _{(Gal. 6:9)}. Life seems short and compared to eternity it certainly is, but it is also long, with many opportunities to get things right in your life. Don’t tire out. Seek to be infused with a new shot of joy and peace. Step out of your comfort zone and exercise our gifts. If you don’t know what they are or are not sure, ask your Pastor for assistance in realizing what they are or simply ask the Lord to reveal them to you. Draw close to God and he will draw close to you _{(James 4:8).}  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources: The Reformation Study Bible; www.biblegateway.com; MacArthur Study Bible; www.biblehub.comand The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language.           

Galatians 6:9 NLT– “So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.”

James 4:8 NLT– “Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.