Scripture: Proverbs 1: 7,
7 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
28- Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me.
29-Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord
Observations: The book of proverbs consists of many life principles filled with wisdom, direction and warnings when navigating our way through this broken world. It is fitting that before the author dives into the myriad of wisdom nuggets he reminds the audience that the pathway comes through a holy reverence towards the almighty God. He doesn’t say that the fear of the Lord is the result of wisdom, he says it’s necessary and vital in order to obtain wisdom. Notice why the Lord will not answer the cry’s of the needy: “because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded,” there is no humility, no submission before the Lord God. It stems from a “I got it God, I can handle it” mentality.
Application: Let’s start with humbling ourselves this week and listening to words of God and holding tight to His helping hand. We don’t “got it” we need His words and hands in everything we go after this week. Not only do we fail in our weak human efforts we fail to give God glory when we do so. God gets glory when we admit we need Him. When we stop and say “I’m here, ready to listen and hold your hand”
Prayer: God I ask that your words be a little louder this week, that your hands feel a little closer. Give us humble hearts to fear you, to submit to you. Thank you for the gospel, thank you for saving a sinner like me.