Page 5 - Living Light 88

Wed February 26 - Growing in the fear of the Lord The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise
wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
Our introduction to Proverbs (vv 1-7) ends with the statement that ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge’. ‘Fear’ in this context is not a servile or terrified fear, but rather showing honour, profound respect and reverential affection to God. Unequivocally, Proverbs declares that true knowledge cannot exist without a reverent ‘fear’ of God.
There are many very intelligent people, full of knowledge, who do not fear God – so what does this say about their knowledge? Knowledge that is not related to the being and purposes of God is incomplete; knowledge must be set in proper context in order to appreciate God, life and truth itself. The beginning of knowledge is found in knowing God as our heavenly Father, Christ as our source of forgiveness, love and grace, and the Holy Spirit as our strength and guide. Everything we know – whether mathematics, philosophy, history, current affairs, or medical science – is secondary to this true spiritual knowledge.
Unless we know God in Christ, and worship him in reverent fear, in spirit and in truth, according to his revealed will, we cannot understand life as we should. Many years ago I had a revelation of God as being at the apex of a pyramid of knowledge, with mankind ceaselessly delving deeper and deeper, gaining knowledge but tragically losing sight of the One who created all things and holds all things together.
Father God, above all may I know your Son who was ‘before all things, and in whom all things are held together’ (Colossians 1:17). Amen.
Thursday February 27 - Learning from the wise Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your
mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head... Proverbs 1:8-9
Wow! This should catch our attention: a garland of grace around your head, and pearls of wisdom threaded together by a cord of grace! I’m up for that! It’s mine, free of charge when I listen to my father’s instruction and my mother’s teaching. For some of us this is no longer possible, and for others it just did not happen. Let’s not take it entirely literally, although parents were intended to be a fount of wisdom; we can also look to the older generation, though not exclusively.
We see this in Job 12:12, “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” and Deuteronomy 32:7, “Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.” Wherever we are in life’s journey, we need to listen and be taught in order to gain wisdom. It cannot be bought; there is no short cut but to ‘sit at someone’s feet’.
In the church context this begins with our elders, whose primary responsibility is to impart wisdom. We ‘write off’ the older generation at our peril; a generation is born every 30 years, but change happens so much faster. The tenets of wisdom are constant, engrained in the word of God. Why not seek out a wise person today and add another pearl to your garland?
Father, please forgive me when I act as though I know it all. May my heart be teachable. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY
3