Young People's Group

Fear the Lord

by Mitchell Tan
May 06, 2021

THE PROBLEM OF BEING WISE IN OUR OWN EYES – HUMAN WISDOM

One problem that many people often grapple with is being wise in their own eyes. This entails individuals possessing the wrong mindset of being caught up with their own understanding and ways.

“Do not be wise in your own eyes”
Proverbs 3:7

What causes people to have such a mindset?

1. It comes through the pride in peoples’ hearts.

2. It comes through people not choosing the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:29-31).

a. They hate knowledge.
b. They despise wise counsel and rebukes.
c. They will eat the fruit of their own way.
d. They will be filled with their own fancies.

3. It comes through trusting in their own foolish understanding.

Those who are wise in their own eyes can end up destroying their own lives.

THE PRACTICE OF THE FEAR OF THE LORD – GODLY WISDOM

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

1. WISDOM IN FEARING THE LORD

Fearing the Lord is the opposite of being wise in our own eyes. It takes godly wisdom to want to practise the fear of the Lord.

2. FEARING THE LORD AFFECTS OUR LIVES

Fearing the Lord will result in definite action. There is a practical aspect to the principle of fearing the Lord.

3. FEAR THE LORD AND DEPART FROM EVIL

The fear of the Lord will cause us to hate evil. It will cause us to move away from doing that which is sinful and evil. The challenge for us is to fear the Lord, to cease from evil, and to walk humbly in uprightness.

THE BLESSINGS OF THE PRACTICE OF THE FEAR OF THE LORD

“It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.”
Psalm 3:8

When we move away from human wisdom and from evil, it can affect our own personal well-being.

1. PHYSICAL HEALTH

There will come health to our flesh. When we depart from evil, it will bring vigour to our lives. When we continue in sin and evil, it will not only adversely affect our health and our lives. It can also destroy our lives. When we walk in righteousness, the Lord will bless our lives both spiritually and physically.

2. PHYSICAL STRENGTH

When we walk in the fear of the Lord, it will bring strength to our bones. Choosing to live our lives well will cause us to be strong internally. Therefore, let’s choose to practise the fear of the Lord and to depart from evil. Let’s exercise faith in the promise that He will bless us with health and strength.

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