November 23
PROVERBS 19
21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.
22 What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life,
and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.
24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth.
25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;
reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
– Proverbs 19:21-25
PROVERBS 19 WHAT THE FEAR OF THE LORD BRINGS
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When the fear of the Lord is in a man’s heart
He will be content and prosper in life
He will not be harmed because God protects him
The world will not ruin his heart and mind
Because he reveres his Maker and Lord
He will have wisdom as he navigates this world.
What does it mean to fear the Lord? The word fear in this context is not a worldly fear but it is to honor and revere the Lord who is your Master and Maker. It means to live your life in accordance to his will and in obedience to all the laws he gave you. Why is it important to have the fear of the Lord? Proverbs 1:7 says that it is the beginning of knowledge. We can therefore clearly see that those who don’t have the fear of the Lord lack knowledge. How can they have wisdom if they do not revere God? Proverbs 8:13 also says that to fear the Lord is to hate evil. Those who love the Lord are humble and do not follow the way of the wicked. Job 28:28 spells out the benefit of fearing the Lord. It brings wisdom and gives the person the ability to turn away from evil. When he does this, he begins to have understanding.
REFLECTION
• Why do you think some Christians don’t have the fear of the Lord?
