The Wisdom of Fearing God
“1 A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
2 Rich and poor have this in common:
The Lord is the Maker of them all.
3 The prudent see danger and take refuge,
but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
4 Humility is the fear of the Lord;
its wages are riches and honor and life.
5 In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls,
but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.”
The Book of Proverbs is not merely a collection of simple sayings, but it revolves around one central principle: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Proverbs 22:3 says, "The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty." This teaches us that those who wisely discern situations and avoid disaster are truly wise.
The author of Our Daily Bread references this verse, emphasizing the importance of being cautious when helping those who have fallen into sin so as not to be swept into that sin ourselves. We must love our neighbors, but also act wisely, protecting ourselves with vigilance. God's wisdom enables us to recognize our limitations and to choose the best path within those boundaries.
To fear God means to honor Him, to acknowledge His greatness, and to clearly understand the difference between what we can and cannot do. We must dedicate ourselves fully to the mission God has given us. However, at the same time, we must humbly accept that we cannot solve all the world's problems perfectly. God will create a new heaven and a new earth and completely renew His creation. Because we believe in and look forward to this, we do what we can to move toward that goal.
We must not overlook the fact that when dealing with evil, we may become more corrupted, or conversely, we may become filled with self-righteousness while doing what seems to be extremely good. Our faith must always be guided by larger principles and direction. Though our lives may not be perfect, with God-given wisdom, we make realistic decisions and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we need the courage to stop, and at other times, we need the strength to make wise decisions.
May we serve our church, live out our faith, and nurture our relationships with others joyfully with the wisdom of fearing God.
Prayer: Lord, as we move forward in Your grace, grant us the wisdom to discern between what we can and cannot do. Give us the courage, love, and patience to apply that wisdom. Help us serve in our homes, in our church, and in the world with Your grace, making our lives a reflection of You. Amen.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)
Devotional content is available on the Our Daily Bread website.