Proverbs 19:1-29
Saturday, 29 July 2023
The fear of the LORD leads to life: and he that has it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. -Proverbs 19:23
Proverbs clearly talks to the very core of human life- they are words of insight, giving us wisdom, knowledge, understanding, which help us to grow in our Christian life. (Ref: Proverbs 1:2-6). Sharp statements like: “People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD.” (Pr.19:3), jolt us to think! Proverbs is full of practical wisdom for everyday life.
The “fear of the LORD’ is oft quoted in Proverbs and it means to hold a respectful devotion to God for who is. Our key verse talks about three blessings of the fear of the LORD:
1. Leads to life: Many get confused with the word, “fear” because it’s heard very often denoting different meanings. Here it’s nothing but to Fear the Lord with reverence! In the Old Testament times, many were really afraid to approach the Living God, because our "God is a consuming fire." (Heb.12:29) Also it’s written- Which voice they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more…. And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake: (Ref: Heb.12:18-21; Exo.19 &20). Our God is still the same who revealed HIS GLORY on the mountain of Sinai- But today by HIS grace and through Christ Jesus we have received the great privilege to approach HIM, not because of any of our merits but only by HIS Eternal love. When we humbly approach Him with reverential fear, truly seeking Him we will receive the life which God sent through His Begotten Son (John 3:16-17). It’s for all of mankind: those who receive it by faith shall inherit the Everlasting Life which the Lord has kept for us.
2. He shall abide- satisfied: When sin entered into human life, its adverse effects were many and finally, destruction. One of its effects is dissatisfaction- man discontent in some area or other. A dissatisfied life causes him to make many wrong choices. The Lord in His mercy made the way for humankind to return to the Everlasting life intended for him, through Jesus Christ. 1 John 5: 11- 21: “…God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” Receiving Christ and walking in Him helps us we abide in Him. If we do so, we will be always satisfied in every area of our daily life, praising Him for every blessing.
3. He shall not be visited with evil: Many a time when we pass through troubles we get disturbed and murmur. James 1:13 says, For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone (James 1:13). As for a child of God, he needs to face those many challenges which God works together for good (Romans 8:28). Sometimes those trials are for strengthening us and at other times we are chastened by the Lord in straying away from Him. For whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives. (Heb.12:6). All for good!
We often see how a child respects his/her earthly father; how much more do we need to reverentially fear our Heavenly Father! Our Christian life is a balanced walk by faith, trusting God— He is a Loving father and a consuming fire also. Shall we approach His throne boldly? (Heb.4:14-16)
Great Blessing- We have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. (Hebrews 12:9-10)