Fear of the Lord – Praying Pint

53.g. Wilderness – 17.m. “For this is a people without discernment”

Deu 32:28 “For they are a nation void of counsel, and there is no understanding in them.

Job 28:28 And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”

Psalms 81:12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Isaiah 27:11 For this is a people without discernment; therefore he who made them will not have compassion on them; he who formed them will show them no favor.

Jeremiah 4:22 “For my people are foolish; they know me not; they are stupid children; they have no understanding. They are ‘wise’—in doing evil! But how to do good they know not.”

Jeremiah 8:9 The wise men shall be put to shame; they shall be dismayed and taken; behold, they have rejected the word of the LORD, so what wisdom is in them?

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge,

Matthew 13:14-15 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: “‘“You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’

1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is folly with God.

Void of counsel; that have not wisdom to direct themselves, nor discretion to desire and receive counsel from others, but rashly and madly go on in those courses which will certainly ruin them. (Poole)

Where does the counsel for our soul come from? How do we grab hold of wise counsel? What is wise counsel? Who do we get this counsel from? God’s Word. It is here where we find true wisdom and counsel for our souls, hearts, and minds, and how we should think, speak, and act.

The problem is that very little time is given to God’s Word. For many, it is seen as the Word of God but it is seldom studied. Oh, it might be searched for a nugget of hope or a promise, but it is not studied for the wisdom it contains and how that might be applied in everyday life. Far too often worldly wisdom consumes the hearts and minds of those who should know better. Many times you will hear someone say, “I think” when they should be able to say, “God’s Word says”.

Wisdom of the world fills the souls of those void of God’s Word. There is no want for it, searching for it, or desiring to apply it.

Much of the wisdom expressed by many is garnered from social media, media outlets, and culturally accepted views. Think about it. Should there be any confusion about abortion? And this whole gay pride and tolerance foolishness is mind-numbing. We should know right from wrong based on wisdom from God’s Word. Just because someone can twist and confuse the Word of God to adopt worldly and cultural norms does not make it right.

We do well to seek wisdom from above and pray for understanding so that in all thoughts, words, and actions Jesus Christ is honored and glorified.

52.e. Wilderness – 16.k. “But its end is utter destruction.”

Deu 25:17-19  “Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you came out of Egypt,  how he attacked you on the way when you were faint and weary, and cut off your tail, those who were lagging behind you, and he did not fear God. Therefore when the LORD your God has given you rest from all your enemies around you, in the land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance to possess, you shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven; you shall not forget.

Exodus 17:14.   Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.”

Numbers 24:20   Then he looked on Amalek and took up his discourse and said, “Amalek was the first among the nations, but its end is utter destruction.”

Proverbs 16:6    By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.

Because of God’s strong command to battle against Amalek until they were completely conquered, many see the Amalekites as a picture of our flesh – which constantly battles against the spirit and must be struggled against until completely conquered. (Guzik)

Let every persecutor and injurer of God’s people take warning from the case of the Amalekites. The longer it is before judgement comes, the more dreadful will it be at last. Amalek may remind us of the foes of our souls. May we be enabled to slay all our lusts, all the corruptions both within and without, all the powers of darkness and of the world, which oppose our way to the blessed Saviour. (Henry)

Remember what Amalek did—This cold-blooded and dastardly atrocity is not narrated in the previous history (Ex 17:14). It was an unprovoked outrage on the laws of nature and humanity, as well as a daring defiance of that God who had so signally shown His favor towards Israel. (Brown)

The Amalekites, how they came out against them, and fought with them at Rephidim, Exodus 17:8, by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt; which was an aggravation of their cruel and inhuman action, that they not only came out against them unprovoked, were the aggressors, and fell upon them as they were travelling on the road, but when they were just come out of Egypt, where they had been in hard bondage, and their spirits broken, and they not used to war; and so took them at all these disadvantages, a people that had not in the least injured them. (Gill)

But whilst the Israelites were to make love the guiding principle of their conduct in their dealings with a neighbour, and even with strangers and foes, this love was not to degenerate into weakness or indifference towards open ungodliness. To impress this truth upon the people, Moses concludes the discourse on the law by reminding them of the crafty enmity manifested towards them by Amalek on their march out of Egypt, and with the command to root out the Amalekites (cf. Exodus 17:9-16). This heathen nation had come against Israel on its journey, viz., at Rephidim in Horeb, and had attacked its rear. (Keil)

I do not understand at all the hate that is prominent in the US for Israel. I do not know what is driving this and how people support it. I can only imagine that Satan is behind this and leading people to thoughts that are not God-honoring. When you look at what Hamas did on Oct 7, 2023, and attacked the people of Israel it is hard not to think of them as “Amalekites”. Surely, the unprovoked attack on the perimeter of the Israeli people is similar. Surely, attacking God’s chosen people will result in punishment. Israel may or may not be the hand of God in this punishment, but certainly, His punishment is coming. How it comes, when it comes, and to what extent it comes is in His hands according to His purposes.

All who go against God’s chosen will one day bow before Jesus and know their sin in full. There is time to repent of it now, but there will not be time after death.

50.s. Wilderness – 14.y. ““Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings”

Deu 10:17-22  For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe. He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. You shall fear the LORD your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear. He is your praise. He is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen. Your fathers went down to Egypt seventy persons, and now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars of heaven.

Joshua 22:22     “The Mighty One, God, the LORD! The Mighty One, God, the LORD! He knows;

1 Chronicles 16:25-26    For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be feared above all gods.  For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens.

Psalms 136:2   Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.

Daniel 2:47     The king answered and said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries

Revelation 17:14    They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”

Revelation 19:16     On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

Nehemiah 1:5    And I said, “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments,

Psalms 99:3    Let them praise your great and awesome name! Holy is he!

2 Chronicles 19:7    Now then, let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the LORD our God, or partiality or taking bribes.”

When God requires us to show justice, compassion, and reverence, it is because these virtues answer to aspects in God’s own character. The obedience God calls us to is always set in the context of what He did for us. Our service and obedience unto the LORD is based on what He has done for us and is to be the grateful response to His goodness. If there is a lack in obedience and reverence, there is almost always a lack of appreciation for what the LORD has done. Any wisdom, beauty, or skill we show is not to our praise. (Guzik)

We are here taught our duty to God in our principles and our practices. We must fear the Lord our God. We must love him, and delight in communion with him. We must walk in the ways in which he has appointed us to walk. We must serve him with all our heart and soul. What we do in his service we must do cheerfully, and with good will. We must keep his commandments. There is true honour and pleasure in obedience. We must give honour to God; and to him we must cleave, as one we love and delight in, trust in, and from whom we have great expectations. We are here taught our duty to our neighbour. God’s common gifts to mankind oblige us to honour all men. And those who have themselves been in distress, and have found mercy with God, should be ready to show kindness to those who are in the like distress. We are here taught our duty to ourselves. Circumcise your hearts. Cast away all corrupt affections and inclinations, which hinder you from fearing and loving God. (Henry)

49.y. Wilderness – 14.d. “Fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell.”

Deu 6:1-3  “Now this is the commandment—the statutes and the rules—that the LORD your God commanded me to teach you, that you may do them in the land to which you are going over, to possess it, that you may fear the LORD your God, you and your son and your son’s son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long. Hear therefore, O Israel, and be careful to do them, that it may go well with you, and that you may multiply greatly, as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a land flowing with milk and honey.

Exodus 20:20     Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.”

Job 28:28    And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”

Psalms 111:10   The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

Psalms 128:1   Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways!

Proverbs 16:6    By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:13   The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

Luke 12:5   But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!

1 Peter 1:17   And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,

The “fear” that brings God pleasure is not our being afraid of him, but our having a high and exalted, reverential view of him. To fear the Lord is to stand in awe of his majesty, power, wisdom, justice and mercy, especially in Christ – in his life, death and resurrection – that is, to have an exalted view of God. To see God in all his glory and then respond to him appropriately. To humble ourselves before him. To adore him. We tend to be in awe of worldly power, talent, intelligence, and beauty. But these things don’t impress God because “His delight is not in the strength of the horse (mighty armies, worldly power) nor his pleasure in the legs of a man (human strength).” But God delights in those who fear him – those who stand in awe of him – and instead of trusting in their own human abilities or resources, “hope in his steadfast love.”

By way of contrast, the wicked person doesn’t fear God – he doesn’t stand in awe of God. The wicked has a low view of God:

Psalms 36:1-4. Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated. The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit; he has ceased to act wisely and do good. He plots trouble while on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not reject evil.”

The wicked person has such a low view of God and such a lack of awe for God that he doesn’t think God can find out his sin or hate it. He doesn’t act wisely or do good because he doesn’t view God as holy and just and serious about punishing sin. He trusts in his own wits and strength. Obviously, the Lord doesn’t find any pleasure in the wicked. The wicked refuses to fear God. (Altrogge)

For the unbeliever, the fear of God is the fear of the judgment of God and eternal death, which is eternal separation from God. For the believer, the fear of God is something much different. The believer’s fear is reverence of God. Fearing God means having a reverence for Him that greatly impacts the way we live. The fear of God is respecting Him, obeying Him, submitting to His discipline, and worshiping Him in awe. Fearing God is good because it saves us from caving into our own sinful nature.

As I walk with the Lord, I discover that God poses an ominous threat to my ego, but not to me. He rescues me from my delusions, so he may reveal the truth that sets me free. He casts me down, only to lift me up again. He sits in judgment of my sin, but forgives me nevertheless. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but love from the Lord is its completion. (Eisenhower)

For the unrepentant, God-denying, and God-rejecting, fear should be like that of standing before an all-powerful tormentor and executioner who has complete authority and power to execute judgment upon you.

For the believer who trusts, believes, follows, obeys, and relies upon and in God, fear takes on a different form where there is such love, respect, and awe of God that displeasing Him deeply hurts them and they intentionally and purposefully choose to live in such a way that reflects this love, respect, and awe – and in doing so this desire permeates their life so that in all they think, say, and do it is purposefully set on honoring and glorifying Jesus Christ.

35.w. “They were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Genesis 7:1 Then the LORD said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation. Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals, the male and his mate, and a pair of the animals that are not clean, the male and his mate, and seven pairs of the birds of the heavens also, male and female, to keep their offspring alive on the face of all the earth. For in seven days I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and every living thing that I have made I will blot out from the face of the ground.” And Noah did all that the LORD had commanded him. Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters came upon the earth. And Noah and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives with him went into the ark to escape the waters of the flood. Of clean animals, and of animals that are not clean, and of birds, and of everything that creeps on the ground, two and two, male and female, went into the ark with Noah, as God had commanded Noah. And after seven days the waters of the flood came upon the earth.

Matthew 24:37-39    For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.  For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark,  and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Hebrews 11:7   By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Psalms 91:1-10    He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Proverbs 14:26    In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.

Proverbs 18:10    The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

Psalms 33:18-19    Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,  that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine.

2 Peter 2:5-9     if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;  if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;  and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked  (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard);  then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment,

The call to Noah is very kind, like that of a tender father to his children to come in-doors when he sees night or a storm coming. Noah did not go into the ark till God bade him, though he knew it was to be his place of refuge. It is very comfortable to see God going before us in every step we take. Noah had taken a great deal of pains to build the ark, and now he was himself kept alive in it. What we do in obedience to the command of God, and in faith, we ourselves shall certainly have the comfort of, first or last. This call to Noah reminds us of the call the gospel gives to poor sinners. Christ is an ark, in whom alone we can be safe, when death and judgment approach. The word says, Come; ministers say, Come; the Spirit says, Come, come into the Ark. Noah was accounted righteous, not for his own righteousness, but as an heir of the righteousness which is by faith, Heb 11:7. He believed the revelation of a saviour, and sought and expected salvation through Him alone. Thus was he justified by faith, and received that Spirit whose fruit is in all goodness; but if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. After the hundred and twenty years, God granted seven days’ longer space for repentance. But these seven days were trifled away, like all the rest. It shall be but seven days. They had only one week more, one sabbath more to improve, and to consider the things that belonged to their peace. But it is common for those who have been careless of their souls during the years of their health, when they have looked upon death at a distance, to be as careless during the days, the few days of their sickness, when they see death approaching; their hearts being hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. As Noah prepared the ark by faith in the warning given that the flood would come, so he went into it, by faith in this warning that it would come quickly. And on the day Noah was securely fixed in the ark, the fountains of the great deep were broken up. The earth had within it those waters, which, at God’s command, sprang up and flooded it; and thus our bodies have in themselves those humours, which, when God pleases, become the seeds and springs of mortal diseases. The windows of heaven were opened, and the waters which were above the firmament, that is, in the air, were poured out upon the earth. The rain comes down in drops; but such rains fell then, as were never known before or since. It rained without stop or abatement, forty days and forty nights, upon the whole earth at once. As there was a peculiar exercise of the almighty power of God in causing the flood, it is vain and presumptuous to attempt explaining the method of it, by human wisdom. (Henry)

33. “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord”

Matthew 13:44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Proverbs 2:2-5     making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;  yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,  if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,  then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

Romans 15:4     For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Proverbs 17:16     Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense?

Philippians 3:7-9   But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.  Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ  and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—

Revelation 3:18     I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.

In the first parable, the field is the world and the treasure is each and every believer to come. Jesus gave everything to redeem the whole world to preserve the treasure in it – Those who would believe, trust, honor, follow, and obey Him.

In the second parable, Jesus is the buyer for the kingdom of heaven and the pearl is the individual believer that He sees so valuable that He freely and happily would give His all to have them forever. (Guzik)

Scripture is also clear on the responsibility of all mankind to likewise search, seek, and desire God like a great treasure of wisdom, understanding, knowledge, gold, silver, and bread and water to a starving and thirsty soul. The world and its troubles and pleasures can and do have an influence on the hearts of people. It can blind their eyes and deafen their ears to things of God. When God and things of God get pushed down and buried under the things of this world there is still hope for the person who at their depth of despair would humble themselves and call on God. He is ever calling out to the lost who have wondered aimlessly apart from truth, hope, and faith in Him. To some, it is if this treasure of God is deemed worthless and even when they see it they cast it aside. To others, it is such great worth that they willingly and intentionally choose it above all things this world has to offer. They humbly surrender selfish desire and hope to gain eternity in heaven. They gladly discard the promises this world has to offer to gain joy, peace, rest, refuge, power, strength, courage, hope, faith, and love that only God can give.

29.t. “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”

Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Psalms 90:12     So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

Psalms 39:4   “O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!

Ephesians 5:15-17    Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,  making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Deuteronomy 32:29   If they were wise, they would understand this; they would discern their latter end!

Proverbs 2:2-6    making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;  yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,  if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,  then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.  For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;

There must be practical, lived-out Christianity, which lives wisely toward those who are outside. How we speak has a lot to do with this, so we must let our speech always be with grace. Why, because at all times, every day and minute throughout our lives, we are conscious of how we are living so that Jesus Christ is being honored and glorified. How many times a day do we pass a person who could use a kind word, helping hand, an acknowledgment, or word of encouragement? We get tied up being busy and allow the busyness of life to trap us into thinking we are too busy, too important, not important, or unable to see people through God’s eyes. “Teach us to number our days”, “making the best use of the time”, “number our days”, and “make me know my end and what is the measure of my days” all speak to having godly wisdom, discernment, knowledge, and understanding of who we are in light of who God is and to what He has called us to. How can we be or reflect the light of Jesus Christ if our eyes are closed to the people around us? How can we grow and mature in displaying grace when we don’t even see others around us. I am reminded of a time my wife and I went to visit a dear friend who had just lost His wife. We went out to eat and this man, whose heart what aching from loss, noticed our server seemed out of sorts, troubled. He graciously spoke to her with true concern and then asked if we could pray for her right there as she was taking our order. This is having eyes open to others and discernment to their hurts and needs, no matter what life has thrown at us. Even in his grief, his eyes were open for opportunities to show God’s grace and concern.

We do well to ask God to reveal deep within our hearts and minds, that which is important and that which is not. Busyness does not mean it is important. When we seek wisdom, knowledge, and understanding with the intentional choice, to be led by the Holy Spirit and honor and glorify Jesus Christ, in all things and at all times, it is then we will discern the world and people around us in the light of His grace and love.

28.l “Powers of discernment trained by constant practice”

Philippians 3:15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

Romans 15:1     We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Hebrews 5:14   But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

1 Corinthians 14:20  Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.

Galatians 5:10   I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is.

Psalms 25:8-9    Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.  He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.

Proverbs 2:3-6   yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,  if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,  then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.  For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;

James 1:5   If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Mature, strong, trained, confident, humble, and with constant practice able to distinguish good from evil are all words used to convey the importance of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in the life of a Christian. Have you ever heard a child say, “I can do it myself”, or “I want to do it myself”, for a task that is beyond their ability to do? They are not physically mature enough to execute what they want to do. They are more than willing to try but not mature enough to know their limitations. The opposite is true as well when you hear a child say, “I can’t do it”, “I won’t even try to do it”, for tasks that are well within their ability to do them. They are physically able but mentally they are not mature enough.

Being strong means that a person has the physical and mental ability combined with maturity so that they are able to stand up to obstacles and opposition. An immature person will think they have the strength (they do not have) for a task they are facing. They will go headlong into a mental or physical battle for which they are not strong enough to overcome. Others use their strength for very immature things. Having physical and mental strength but lacking mature wisdom, knowledge, and understanding is what you see in the world. These are those who shun God, reject Jesus Christ, and live in self-reliance and self-confidence. There is no surrender, humility, or acknowledgment of God. As Christians, we are tempted to think we are stronger and more mature than we are. When this happens we start relying on ourselves rather than the strength of the Holy Spirit. When we rely on ourselves we become self-reliant and self-confident which is neither humble nor surrendered.

We need constant practice at doing what is right, good, and true. This is what yields maturity. How do we put into practice that which we have chosen to neglect? How do we become strong in things of God when all we practice day in and day out are things of this world? We can be very mature in things of this world and even be seen as having wisdom, worldly speaking, but in the things of God we are immature, weak, and void of Godly wisdom and strength. It is sad to see those who are years into being a born-again Christian acting, speaking, and thinking like infants.

It is in humble surrendered reliance in God with heart deep desire and seeking His wisdom, knowledge, and understanding that we will find the path that waters our souls and matures our thoughts, speech, and actions.

21. “Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.”

Psalm 34:11 Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

Proverbs 4:1   Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight,

2 Timothy 3:15    and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 8:17    I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.

Isaiah 28:9   “To whom will he teach knowledge, and to whom will he explain the message?

Proverbs 22:6    Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Ecclesiastes 12:1   Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”;

Ecclesiastes 11:9-10   Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.  Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.

Psalms 32:8   I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Psalms 111:10   The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.

Proverbs 1:7    The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 2:1-9     My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you,  making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;  yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,  if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,  then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.  For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;  he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,  guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.  Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path;

Think about how much time we invest in learning in our modern society. We begin with one year of kindergarten, then twelve years of graded school, then four years of college, then up to five years of graduate school. Then, for some professions, like the medical field, there are three to seven more years of specialty training. Some people spend twenty years or more learning because education is valuable and usually contributes to greater success in life. But how often do we think about learning to fear the Lord? That is, do we consider growing deeper and deeper in our relationship with Him as a “curriculum” of sorts? A curriculum that lasts a lifetime? This was a common theme in the nation of Israel. Citizens of Israel were expected to be taught how to fear the Lord—how to honor Him, trust Him, love Him, worship Him, and more. And the main vehicle for that learning was the Word of God—the words of His law (Deuteronomy 31:12-13). When you read and study your Bible, think of it as learning to fear the Lord—a curriculum that lasts a lifetime. (David Jeremiah)

It is foolish to think a person could or would become a doctor, lawyer, electrician, plumber, engineer, teacher, or another profession, by the mere fact of stating that you are. To become one of any of these requires an intentional choice to begin to learn, continue to learn, and gain the knowledge and understanding and the necessary and on-going skills to apply it. People are tested and certified as competent and given licenses to practice in various fields of study and vocation. Some specialize and become experts in a particular vein of their field of study. It all takes time, commitment, and dedication. Some may even commit to continual learning in their field until the day they die. This commitment and dedication are viewed as having been beneficial to society in some way, either to the whole or to a group, as in an engineer who works for a company that designs and builds medical equipment, or a lawyer who works for a firm that defends the rights of the abused, or a teacher/professor who instructs on a particular requirement for a degree, etc…. They have committed to having an impact in others’ lives by their commitment to knowledge and understanding in their field of expertise.

Oh that it was so with Christians, where continual commitment, dedication, and seeking to understand and gain knowledge of how to live to honor, glorify, follow, trust, rely and obey God all of their days. When people commit to a job or profession they start by learning precept upon precept and continue this process until they have achieved the minimum requirements to gain certification or licensure. Too often Christians believe they have obtained the minimum requirements to gain eternal life and they stop their dedication and commitment to gaining understanding and knowledge of God. How foolish would it be for a person to think that after completing kindergarten that they have learned it all and there is no longer any more understanding or knowledge to be gained? Yet, some Christians believe this to be true. Likewise, how foolish would it be to graduate from college after 4-8 years of study and then not continue to grow, learn, and stay on top of new developments within their field? And, even more, foolish is the person who does not apply or make any effort to apply the knowledge and understanding they have taken the time to gain. To end our lives in a state of neglect and complacency toward understanding and knowledge of God is to enter eternity with disregard for God and Jesus Christ His Son. Don’t end your life with this disregard. Spend time in His Word. Seek and desire to know more and more about how to honor, glorify, worship, follow, trust, and obey Him. Certainly, The creator of all there is, is worthy of all we have and all we do.

20.y. “Let him seek peace and pursue it.”

Romans 12:9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Psalms 55:21   His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.

Psalms 36:4   He plots trouble while on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not reject evil.

Proverbs 8:13   The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.

Proverbs 26:25   when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart;

Ezekiel 33:31   And they come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear what you say but they will not do it; for with lustful talk in their mouths they act; their heart is set on their gain.

Psalms 34:14    Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Amos 5:15   Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.

Psalms 101:3   I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.

1 Peter 3:10-11  For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;  let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.

I like where David says “ I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.” He has purposed in his heart to know what is good, true, and right and by knowing this he is able to discern what is evil and worthless. Though he sees it and though others are doing or following after it, it will not cling to him. He has purposed in his heart to keep his life from evil and to do that which honors and glorifies Jesus Christ.

How is a person to know what is worthless and how to keep it from clinging to us? “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” We need to be able to recognize and discern the difference between that which is worthless and that which is right, true, pure, honorable, and lovely. God’s Word will always bring to mind the difference. Sometimes this wisdom comes immediately and other times it is a work in progress. The problem is that God’s Word does not reside in the hearts and minds of many. Meditation on His Word is what is able to soak in on a Sunday morning a couple of times per month. There is so much distraction in the world today. It is at our fingertips all our waking moments and unless there is a purposed restraint it will consume our hearts and minds. It is in this consumption that we become neglectful and complacent to the Word of God and things of God. Take an inventory of what is worthless in the world. Make a list of what you see as worthless. Spend some time looking at God’s view of what is worthless in this world. Seek and desire to know the difference.