A Proper Response

Posted on Jan 1, 2016 in Devotions |

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; 

fools despise wisdom and instruction. 

Proverbs 1:7

 

 

King Solomon said that the fear of the Lord was the foundation for obtaining knowledge and wisdom.  “Fear of the Lord” or “fear the Lord” is a phrase that is seen throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments.  So, what does it mean to “fear” the Lord?  The Hebrew word translated to fear in this application means respect, reverence, piety (devoutness).   I really like this explanation that I learned a while back enlightening what it means to fear the Lord … To fear the Lord is to acknowledge who He is and to respond accordingly.

Today is the first day or beginning of the new year.  Our verse today tells us that fearing the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.  Considering both New Year’s Day (with its resolutions and renewal) and Proverbs 1: 7, how do we put life into the proper perspective? How do we respond to the One who spoke and all was created?  How do we respond to the One who loved us so much that He gave His one and only Son to die for our sins, so that we may be forgiven?  How do we respond to the One who will one day judge both the living and the dead?   Later in his life, King Solomon wrote these words of wisdom: “The conclusion, when all has been heard,

is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to

 every person.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13) A good question for us is… How will we respond to God in this New Year?

 

Have a Blessed New Year!

 

Reading for today: Proverbs 1