Fear

    (Proverbs 1:7)  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
    This verse is known as the key verse for the whole book of Proverbs. First we looked at the way in which we can understand a proverb and the words of the wise but, now we are going to look at a contrast between those who revere the Lord and those who do not. It is very important to think about where you stand in all of this as well.
    First and foremost we are going to look at what it means by the "fear" of the Lord. This word fear is very interesting that it doesn't mean to be afraid. This kind of fear that it is talking about is reverent fear. An example for me would be the "fear" or reverence I have for my parents. In as much that I turn to them when I need advice. This reverence is also a kind of love and dependency on the one or ones being revered. I'll be the first to admit that I have not revered God as I should. I am learning more and more what it means to revere Him. And so we come to the first question. Are you revering God like you should, think about that for a moment. Do you fear God more than you fear man? These are simple questions but, none the less important to be asked from time to time. Just to stop and think about your standing with your Creator. I've been thinking of this question for a while now and fell to my knees in repentance for the way I'd been acting in His Holy presence. The experience was very humbling but, I want to remember it and move forward with God than without Him. I could actually just turn from His rebuke and walk away but, that would be folly!
    Now lets talk about that, folly. Fools despise wisdom and instruction. first of all, the word fool means, lacks wisdom also, The word despise is not a pretty word, and it is an intense word. It doesn't mean, does not like wisdom and instruction. No, it means hates, rejects, and refuses wisdom and instruction. Hate in itself is a strong word. Jesus said that if you hate someone, it's the same as killing them. One who lacks wisdom, you would think, would want to gain wisdom. That isn't always the case though. Some people would rather live in sin and not want to hear people tell them the truth. They are satisfied with the lie. So much so that they even attack the truth and group up with those who are like them, and this gives them a feeling of being right. Now the question is, do you hate it when people tell you the truth? Even when they are being sincere when they are telling you that you are doing something wrong? Maybe that you need to change? I don't always like it myself but, God has taught me through my parents and being here in Guatemala to listen to rebuke or wise counsel when it comes, and it will come. Trust me.
    I hope you have learned something from this and I sincerely hope you will think on what I asked you. Because I asked God, before I wrote this to tell me what to write and I believe He did. So in affect it wasn't me asking you those questions but, God Himself. That is a cool thing to think about when reading the WORD OF GOD! That it is from Him to us!
    My plan is to keep on reading through Proverbs to gain more of God's wisdom and I pray that He gives it to me for He is the giver of wisdom.
    Praise be to God for His word and love in that He sent it down to a people who don't deserve it.