Scripture
Fear of the Lord lengthens one’s life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
~Proverbs 10:27
Quote
The starting point for wisdom and blessing is to recognize that the LORD is God and to treat Him with the awe and respect He deserves.
~Max Anders
The basic theme of Proverbs was stated in Proverbs 1:7, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. This phrase, ‘fear of the LORD’ is found 17 times in the book of proverbs. Let me share just a few of these references:
- Proverbs 3:7–Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
- Proverbs 8:13–To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
- Proverbs 9:10–The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
- Proverbs 14:27–The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.
- Proverbs 19:23–The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
Remember that Proverbs states general principles; these idioms are not exact promises. The basic premise is that GOD IS GOOD and He wants what is best for us. Although He has all authority, He is not a control freak. He gives us many liberties but He urges us through His word to take the right direction. I will give you an example: in the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, Susan and Lucy [my favorite] are getting ready to meet Aslan [Christ] for the first time. Mr. and Mrs. Beaver are preparing the girls for the encounter. “I thought Aslan was a man,” said Susan, “Is He quite safe? I am rather nervous about meeting a Lion.” “That you will dearie [be nervous]” said Mrs. Beaver, “And make no mistake, if there’s anyone who can appear before HIM without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than most or just plain foolish.” “Then isn’t He safe?” asked Lucy. “Safe?” said Mr. Beaver, “Don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver is telling you? Who said anything about safe? Of course He is not safe but He is good.”
Is Jesus safe or tame? No, but He is good. This is why God gave us the book of proverbs: because He is good. He wants us to understand the right way to live because it is no safe to do otherwise. Every sin has a consequence with the eventual consequence being death itself. It is not safe to ignore God’s instructions about wisdom. It is not safe to pit your will against His. It is not safe to live as you please. It is not safe to reject His son and spurn His gracious offer of forgiveness. This is a truth that our culture has ignored completely, GOD MUST BE RESPECTED and if He is not a price will be paid. This penalty for disrespect may be levied sooner or later but it will surely come. No one will escape the dire consequences of disrespecting God, no one.
We are near the Samaritan Purse headquarter. We catch a shuttle from here to Library. We will post pics on facebook. We got here at 1.30 am our time.