Fear The Lord

by Pastor Mark
October 24, 2024

The problem of being wise in our own eyes

How we see things matters. It affects our perspective of life to determine what is good or bad. It influences our decisions and the path that we would like to take. The problem is when we depend on our own human wisdom and understanding to make decisions, things may not turn out well.

The author of Proverbs wrote this challenge, “Do not be wise in your own eyes;” (Proverbs 3:7) We think that we know better. But this is not true when we love simplicity rather than have a deep understanding (Proverbs 1:22). We foolishly hate knowledge (Proverbs 1:22,29). There is disdain for counsel and refusal to listen to rebuke (Proverbs 1:25). We end up thinking that we are wise in our own eyes and would do things according to what we desire. The result would be disastrous. The challenge is to guard ourselves from having such a problem.

The challenge to fear the Lord

“Fear the Lord and depart from evil.” (Proverbs 3:7)

1. A vital emphasis

  1. Solomon had written a number of times about fearing the Lord.
  2. The fear of the Lord is understood as the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7).
  3. But those who are unwise would choose not to fear the Lord (Proverbs 1:29).
  4. We should seek wisdom. Our quest for wisdom would help us find a deeper understanding of God and a greater sense of reverence for Him (Proverbs 2:5).

2. Being wise in God’s eyes

  1. When we fear God, we no longer desire to be wise in our own eyes.
  2. We hope that our wisdom would be determined by God and His understanding.
  3. It is God who would help us discern what is sound, upright and just (Proverbs 2:7,8).
  4. He would provide us with the counsel that we need.
  5. He would lead us in the right direction that we should take.

3. Departing from evil

  1. When we have a reverence for God, we would desire to have no regard for evil.
  2. God’s wisdom would guide us to stay away from evil.
  3. His wisdom would guard us from people who are drawn to evil (Proverbs 1:15,16).
  4. We hope to dwell secured without fear of evil (Proverbs 1:33).
  5. Wisdom and discretion would deliver us from the way of evil (Proverbs 2:12).

Blessings

In fearing the Lord, our hope is that He would give us His special blessings. One blessing is that it would bring health to our flesh (Proverbs 3:8). The Lord would provide physical vitality and vigour to our lives. Another blessing in fearing the Lord is that it would give strength to our bones (Proverbs 3:8). Our hope is that the Lord would bless us with strength internally so that we may be able to face the difficulties of life and ministry.

Let us be challenged not to be wise in our own eyes but to fear God in all we do and be wise in His eyes.

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