“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.’ PROVERBS 3:7-8 (NIV)
The fear of the Lord is a repeated theme throughout the book of Proverbs. We read in Proverbs 9:10 (NIV), "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Reverence and respect for God are the beginning of wisdom. If you think that somehow you're going to develop wisdom for life's decisions without the fear of the Lord, you're just fooling yourself.
What does it mean to fear God? To fear God means you love what he loves and hate what he hates. It means you appreciate who he is and you do what he says. To fear God means you ask for his advice and don't just depend on yourself. To fear God is to treat him with reverence, respect, and awe.
The other option is to be "wise in your own eyes." This means that rather than depending upon God, revering and respecting him, you rely upon yourself. It means that you think you know best. Ultimately, this is pride. It is the belief that you are God. Proverbs tells us that this kind of thinking is foolishness.
What this means is that all endeavors must begin with a fear of the Lord rather than trusting in your own wits and resources. In all of life's decisions and actions you must start with God. What does this mean practically? If you desire physical health, start with God rather than your own wisdom. Start by trusting in, listening to, and depending upon God for guidance in your pursuit of physical health. Don't begin with your own strategy and resolve. Begin with God.
What did you hear?
What do you think?
What will you do?
Now talk to God…
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