Proverbs 1:7 Season of Light

It’s still early in the New Year. It’s a great opportunity to start over. Time to reset, re-evaluate, re-orient and re-launch our spiritual journeys. 

By the way, do you have a Bible reading plan for the year? My personal favorite is the Daily Audio Bible. You can read this article to see why I recommend DAB.

Since Epiphany does not happen until January 6th, these early posts will focus on basic scriptural precepts from this year’s reading plan. The DAB reading plan begins with daily selections from Genesis, Matthew, Psalms and Proverbs. My “Season of Light” series will also reference much from the prophets and the book of John.

A new beginning requires a new orientation. Re-orienting our lives around scripture is ground zero for transformational, breakthrough living.

The book of Proverbs is all about practical advice for living skillfully and with wisdom. Early on the writer establishes “worship” (reverence for God) as essential for a successful life.

Proverbs 1:7

Let us begin. The worship of the Eternal One, the One True God, is the first step toward knowledge. Fools, however, do not fear God and cannot stand wisdom or guidance. Proverbs 1:7 “The Voice” Translation

Think About This

The translations I grew up with read “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”.  Not “fear” like you’re afraid something bad is going to happen if you disobey God, but rather a healthy reverence and respect for the Lord. And that is so missing in today’s culture.

The Hebrew word is yir’ah (Strongs H3374) and it’s meaning is heavy duty:

  1. fear, terror
  2. awesome or terrifying thing (object causing fear)
  3. fear (of God), respect, reverence, piety
  4. revered

This principle of “holy fear” rooted in love and hope is echoed in other scriptures including Job 28:28,  Psalm 19:9 and Psalm 111:10.

The understanding of “fear” in this context is two-fold.

First, to protect us from doing stupid stuff.  Stupid stuff is what fools do. It could be our own doing – self sabotage; or it could be at the hands of others.

Second, to propel us towards a healthy relationship with the only One who can offer safety, comfort and provision.

What it Means

Here “worship” is understood as honor and reverence for the Lord expressed through a lifestyle of obedience to His Word.

Life only makes sense when we do it God’s way.

Prayer:

Lord God, Maker of heaven and earth, I ask and pray that you would fill me with your wisdom and a holy fear of the Lord. Jesus, you are the source of all knowledge and wisdom. I dedicate this year to your purposes, and for your glory. Protect me from all evil. Renew within me a right spirit, and guide me with Your wisdom and revelation. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

SEASON Blog Title

About Season Of Light

I am writing a devotional series called “Season of Light” (#SeasonOfLife) during the beginning of 2016, focusing on the 40 day season of Epiphany (from January 6 – February 10). We’ll explore the major biblical themes of the beginning of Jesus ministry, and I’ll comment as the Holy Spirit inspires. This is for the purpose of growing in our relationship with the Lord. My desire – my hope and prayer for you – is that your heart may expand and your spirit grow brighter as we seek to be filled with the knowledge and presence of God. So, I invite you to join me on the “Season of Light” journey!

Often I’ll be inspired by a scripture from the Daily Audio Bible readings and use that as a writing prompt. Here’s today’s DAB readings for January 2:

Genesis 3:1-4:26; Matthew 2:13-3:6; Psalms 2:1-12; Proverbs 1:7-9