Proverbs 19:1-29
Saturday, 13 April 2024
The fear of the LORD leads to life,
And he who has it will abide in satisfaction;
He will not be visited with evil. -Proverbs 19:23
The Book of Proverbs clearly talks to the very core of every man’s daily life, providing wisdom, knowledge, understanding, which help us to grow in our Christian life. (Ref: Proverbs 1:2-6). It is full of practical wisdom for everyday living!
“The fear of the Lord” is a subject in God’s Word that calls for our attention. It refers to the reverence and respect for God in our lives. Our key verse points to three blessings of the fear of the Lord:
1. It shall lead him to life: The word, “fear” brings mixed feelings in people as it’s not understood properly. In the biblical context, it is 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). We read of how Moses and the Israelites experienced God appearing to them in a fire and thick cloud on Mt Sinai (Exodus 19, 20). When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear (Exodus 20:18). 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: The entry of sin into human life brought adverse effects, and finally destruction. One of its effects is dissatisfaction- not being satisfied by one thing or other. A dissatisfied life causes him to make many wrong choices. The Lord in His mercy made the way for mankind 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 or content 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 we tend to murmur. James 1:13 says, For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone (James 1:13). But a child of God may face 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.12:11). So even the “seemingly” bad things work for good for one who reverences God.
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 to receive His grace and mercy? (Heb.4:14-16)
To Heed: 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. (Proverbs 3: 7-8)