Bible Verse of The Day – 8-7-23

Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV) 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Sometimes some of the simplest things can teach us a great deal.

This verse is a good example of this.

Many times, looking deeper into a simple phrase will help us better understand it and gain more knowledge from it.

So, let’s see what we can learn from this verse if we dig a little deeper.

First, let us address the phrase, “the fear of the Lord”.

The fear being referred to is not a condemning kind of fear. This is a reverent and worshipful fear. Think of it as reverential awe.

There is also an element of fear that may cause us to actually be afraid since God is all-powerful (omnipotent). But the bigger emphasis here should be on the reverence aspects of the word.

Now, let’s move on to see what reverent fear is or does in the context of this verse.

It is the beginning of wisdom.

So, having a reverent fear of God is the beginning of being wise. It is the first step in our journey to obtain knowledge and wisdom.

Unbelievers may have some knowledge and understanding, but their knowledge is limited and not rooted in absolute truth until they have a genuine relationship, based on reverential fear, with the one true God.

What does this verse say about those who do not fear the Lord?

They are fools who despise wisdom and instruction.

The word, “fool”, in this verse denotes a person who is morally deficient; one who walks a fine line between doing things that may be legal, but not morally sound.

And in their state of being in moral decline, these kinds of people despise wisdom (intelligence, understanding, insight) and instruction (teaching, training, guidance).

This disdain for instruction is due to their desire to continue to do what they know in their heart (conscience) is wrong. They love their sin more than they love (desire) truth and righteousness.

Let us not be fools, but desire and love wisdom and instruction, walking in reverent fear of our God.

Amen

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

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