Don't be Fooled...

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." - Proverbs 1:7

I'm not going to spend too much time on this passage, because I need to study for a final.  I would like to share some insights I have learned about trusting and fearing the Lord.

Fearing the Lord has 2 meanings.  The first aligns with the true definition of fear, which is to be afraid, scared, or frightened.  The Lord is very strong and powerful.  He probably has more power in his pinkie toe than all of the armies in the world.  As Christians we have learned that when we are disobedient to God, he has the authority to punish us.  I don't know about you, but I am scared of the punishment God may bring on me for not doing His will.  I do not want to get caught up in God's wrath.  Just look at the children of Israel when they did not adhere to God's commands.  Joshua 7 depicts the battle at Ai, in which they lost (the 1st time) because there was an accursed amongst them.

I believe that when you fear something, you are more conscientious of it and are more inclined to respect it.  Children fear their parents because they are afraid of them.  Employees fear their supervisors because they are afraid of getting fired.  Each party works harder to please the other and take measures to prevent being punished or reprimanded.  Our relationship with God works in the same way.  We take steps to prevent God's wrath from falling on us.  We fear God, therefore we work harder to please God.

This brings me to the next interpretation of fear, concern.  In order to show concern for something, you must first know it and seek and understanding of it.  We show concern for our children because we are trying to learn them and understand the process of parenting.  We show concern for our spouse because we love them.  We show concern towards God because we want to develop a closer relationship with Him and learn more about His excellency.  In showing concern, we are gaining knowledge.  I believe that the more knowledgeable you are about God, the stronger your faith in God.

The last part of this scripture deals with fools.  Fools do not have concern, worry, or fear in their hearts.  They disregard the sermons that are preached and disobedience is what they live for.  Fools do not seek to understand and know God.  They seek to create havoc and stir up mischief.  If a fool sought wisdom and instruction from God, they would not be a fool.

My purpose for sharing all of this is that it is better to fear the Lord and grow in His knowledge, than it is to be a fool and not know anything.  Don't be fooled...