“The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom,
And before honor is humility.” Proverbs 15:33 (NKJV)
Ok, looking up the Hebrew phrase translated as fear could have been translated dreadful or terrifying thing. Don’t know about you, but serving a higher power who is terrifying or dreadful doesn’t make me want to be where that being is. And if that’s what is my motivation to being in His presence, the result won’t be pretty.
However, the Hebrew phrase could also be translated as respect, reverence, piety, revered. Ahhh … Respecting God teaches me about ways to use the knowledge I’ve gained over the years to benefit others because He created everything. Because He loves them and I love Him, I will behave in a way that benefits others the way God wants them treated. It is treating others the way I want to treat my Creator and Savior.
Looking at the next phrase – instruction of wisdom. That could also be translated as discipline, correction, warning, rebuke, chastisement, check (i.e., checks and balances), or doctrine.
So, if I paraphrase the verse — The reverence of God is the checks and balances to use the knowledge and experiences I have acquired over my lifetime to accomplish God’s desires for any situation, and before I can achieve any glory or honor I must become humble, gentle and meek.
Listen to an old campfire song (sorry, couldn’t find a version with the lyrics on the screen). It just says “Your Church” as the responsible party for posting it – “Humble Me So I Can Do Thy Will.”
Published on MyBibleRoom.com 12/28/24, 5:00 pm