I believe God gave us the book of Proverbs because He wants us to win at life. God knows for us to win, it helps to: 1) know the rules, 2) understand the rules, and 3) play within the rules. The book of Proverbs helps each of us to accomplish these very things. Look what the first few verses of Proverbs chapter 1 teach us.
“Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young.”
Take a moment and list out the purposes of Proverbs found in this short passage.
Do you see it? Look at your list. God wants you to win!
But how does a person start? How does a person start again?
A couples verses later, Solomon tells us.
“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
Fear of the Lord is how you begin to win! Sounds weird doesn’t it? God doesn’t want you to be afraid of Him. This“fear”isn’t that type of“fear.” God wants you to respect him so much that you’re not willing to mess around with him. Too often people“know”what God expects of them, but they don’t do it. They do what they want to do because they do not“fearthe Lord.” They don’t have enough respect for God to put His ways first. They don’t really think God is going to do anything.
What are some ways that you can“fearthe Lord”?
Fearing the Lord is best built within relationship. When God speaks He expects His children to listen. To turn a deaf ear is not fearing the Lord.
Let me wrap this up by giving some practical application. Like me, when you tell your kids to do something, you expect them to do it. As a parent, when I give my children direction, I expect them to obey. Not because they are afraid of me, but because they take their daddy’s words seriously. When they do what I ask, it is a reflection of their love towards me.
Today, I urge you to fear the Lord. Listen to Him. Do what you know to do. Respect His holy name.
Blessings,
Pastor Matt