FEAR THE LORD

Proverbs 15:18-33 / Keywords 15:33

The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

 

15:18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,

    but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,

    but the path of the upright is a highway.

20 A wise son brings joy to his father,

    but a foolish man despises his mother.

21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,

    but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

22 Plans fail for lack of counsel,

    but with many advisers they succeed.

23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—

    and how good is a timely word!

24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent

    to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead.

25 The Lord tears down the house of the proud,

    but he sets the widow’s boundary stones in place.

26 The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked,

    but gracious words are pure in his sight.

27 The greedy bring ruin to their households,

    but the one who hates bribes will live.

28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,

    but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

29 The Lord is far from the wicked,

    but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,

    and good news gives health to the bones.

31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction

    will be at home among the wise.

32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,

    but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.

33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord,

    and humility comes before honor.

1. The book of Proverbs contains much wisdom meant to be applied to our everyday life. Whether the wisdom is about controlling our temper (18), not being lazy (19a), honoring our parents (20), or finding many advisers (22), these principles - when lived out - can have a positive impact on our life. However, Proverbs are intended for more than only bringing success in our earthly life. Putting into practice the wisdom of Proverbs can set our path of life on an upward trajectory, towards the LORD, instead of one that leads downwards, towards death (24).

 

2. True wisdom leads us to fear the LORD. This theme is repeated several times in Proverbs (1:7, 9:10, 15:33). To fear the LORD is to be humble before God (33). The LORD opposes the proud (25a) but honors the humble (33b). Those who are humble accept life-giving correction (31,32). The LORD knows our thoughts and detests the thoughts of the wicked (26a). He is far from the wicked (29a). The LORD protects widows from the schemes of the proud (25b). He is pleased when we speak gracious words. The LORD also hears the prayers of the righteous (29b).

 

Prayer Father, thank you for the book of Proverbs. May your word direct my path toward you. Help me to know and fear you more.

One Word Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD