Proverbs 9:10 AMP
[10] The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom [its starting point and its essence], And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding and spiritual insight.
The life of the man who wrote the words in the verse above must be studied. He was not supposed to be king at all; the circumstances of his birth should have disqualified him, if his brothers had their way. However, the bible was deliberate to mention that the Lord loved him, and even gave him a name. As we know, he became king, and in his personal encounter with God, he was given a blank cheque to ask God for anything he wanted. He chose wisdom above anything else, and it is not a surprise that we speak about his words and actions till today. He had a healthy fear of the Lord, and the Lord blessed him more than all the kings before or after him.
That is what God does to and with a life that has the right relationship with Him. There is a
fear that cripples; there is another fear which liberates. It is very important that I know the difference. There is nothing wrong with giving due regard to the rules and laws of men; affer all, we are placed on earth to interact with men, and due to the fallen human nature, we will rub each other off the wrong way atimes. How we deal with those uncomfortable situations will define the kind of fear that we have. Do I hold men in such high regard that I do not mind offending God? Is man's approval and applause more important to me than the applause and backing of heaven?
There is the right kind of fear called the reverent fear of the Lord. It is that fear that teaches me how to worship and regard Him as truly awesome, and relate with Him on a regular basis as such. It is a fear mixed with reverence, knowing that this is a God that can bless beyond limits, but also destroy without remedy. The right kind of fear keeps me in check, not taking only the side of God that is convenient for me. I cannot take one side of God and reject the other; He is the Lord, and He deserves and demands total allegiance. It cannot be half-measures; God takes all, or do not bother giving Hm anything at all. That is where it has to begin from.
That good fear is presented as the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom. Without it, ypu really have nothing of value. This is where a life of impact and blessing start from and build upon. To be called truly wise is to know who God is, as well as the right way to deal with that knowledge. The verse above also says that the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding and spiritual insight. This tells me that knowing God is not this one-off experience; it is a lifetime of amazing revelations. It is deep spiritual maturity to never get tired of seeking God out, and God always rewards such devotion. Want to go far and end well? Fear God. God's time of favour is here.
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