September 2, 2024
Wisdom -- Part 1
Proverbs 4:10-11
09/02/2024
10 Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years
of your life may be many.
11 I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led
you in the paths of uprightness. (ESV)
What is wisdom? That is the question for this week as we
look at the words written by King Solomon to his sons. Both King
David and King Solomon wrote: ``The fear of the LORD is the
beginning of wisdom.''[1] Both of these mighty kings desired the
same thing, namely that their children understand the importance
of knowing the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Because of his love for his sons, Solomon pleaded:
Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years of
your life may be many. I have taught you the way of
wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness.
What is the fear of the LORD? Is it terror caused by seeing
His power and might? Is it trembling at the condemnation we
deserve because we have sinned against Him in thought, word, and
deed? Is it the realization that we cannot be assured of life as
we conform ourselves to the devil or the world? Certainly that
is one sort of fear, which is caused by the stark reality of
God's holy law. But David and Solomon were not talking of that
fear, but of respect and reverence for God because He is truly
merciful and loving. The fear of the LORD comes from knowing
that we are His creation, that He cares for us, and He desires
that we be part of His family forever.
David and Solomon are telling us of the response of faith
that we have when we learn of God's gracious love and mercy.
Their instruction points us to Jesus Christ, who lived, died, and
rose again for our salvation from sin and eternal death.
May our Lord grant us the faith which fears Him, which holds
Him in reverence and high esteem because of His grace. Amen.
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1. Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 9:10