Proverbs 1:1-33
It is impossible to adequately study this book or this passage in the context of daily devotions, but certain themes provide a lesson through which we can see the bigger picture. This is never more true than in verse 7. This is the theme of the book and ought to be the theme of life. But what is “the fear of God”? Fear in the biblical sense is deeper than a shallow dread; it is a word with a very deep meaning. As we perceive something fearful, if we study it deeper, we grow in awe of it. For example, a 250 ft cliff is terrifying, but as you approach the cliff's edge, you get to see the grand vista, but you also fear more. Respect for the danger and the awe of the beauty are closely related. You won't have a fear response looking at a small picture on your screen, but you will miss the spectacular experience. The deeper and more intimate knowledge of God we have, the more in awe of Him we will be. God is generous to freely give us wisdom, but that only comes by knowing Him. We can't have wisdom without knowledge of God.
“Lord, help me to know you and hold you in awe, respect, and fear. AMEN.”
