In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “he that refuses instruction despises his own soul: but he that hears reproof gets understanding”, and in chapter fifteen and verse thirty-three of Proverbs Solomon said, “the fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom” where we read,
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility.
The verse begins, “The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom;” Solomon began with the words, “the fear of the LORD” or “the awe, respect, reverence and piety belonging to Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “is the instruction” which means “exists as discipline, chastening and correction” “of wisdom” or “belonging to skill, shrewdness and prudence”. Solomon shared how having awe and respect to Jehovah God exists as the discipline and correction pertaining to being skillful, prudent and shrewd.
The verse continues, “and before honor is humility.” Solomon added the words, “and before honor” or “and in advance and prior to glory, abundance, riches, splendor, dignity and reputation” “is humility” which means “exists as meekness, gentleness or modesty”. Solomon said meekness and modesty are prerequisites to glory, splendor and dignity.
When we think through the words in this verse, we discover through Solomon two of the major characteristics a person must have if they desire to be blessed by Jehovah God. First, they must hold him in awe and reverence, and second, they must humble themselves before Him. God wants to save us from the penalty for our sins which is death, and when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins, He will forgive us, grant us everlasting life and put within us a healthy respect for Him and the “humility” that is required to receive His glory.
Next time we begin a new chapter and see Solomon share about, “the preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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