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What I Learned in my First Year: Prioritize Bible over Talking Points

“Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord,  would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices” (Proverbs 1:29–31). “If your people won’t listen to the Bible,  they won’t listen to you.” —Anonymous  I’ve served in varying ministry capacities for a while now. It’s never been in the leading seat though. I’ve seen this play out from afar, watching my leaders navigate through peril and difficulty. Some were like seasoned sailors navigating stormy waters. Some capsized. Still others chugged along trying to get to greater health, greater strength, a more committed holiness, yet still a ways off. Of the healthier “captains” that I’ve served under at the healthier churches, they prioritized Scripture as their charted course and Jesus’ fame as their great North Star. I’ve sought to do that in my first year. Not perfectly executed, of course. First years are...
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Proverb of the Day: 8/14/2024

HEAR Journal

 

Highlight: The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death (Proverbs 14:27).

 

Explain: This chapter is largely one big Pros and Cons list of living without wisdom’s grip on your life. 35 verses extol wisdom’s virtue, and folly’s destructive nature. I am not so sure that readers could say 14:27 is a lynchpin or key to understanding the text; Solomon makes his argument simple and plain throughout the chapter. He does describe though the utility of fearing (יִרְאַ֣ת) YHWH, the LORD—one may retreat (לָ֝ס֗וּר) from oncoming threats. If this is not the key to understanding the text, perhaps this is the greatest prize found in the text.

After its been established that fearing God is the good and right way, then we can talk about the goods—or utility—of the path. David Kidner rightly puts 14:26 together with 14:27. He says, “Godliness protects the soul by its solidity (26) and its vitality (27). Both aspects are necessary, since evil not only attacks but attracts us; therefore the man of God must know (and show his family, 26b) something both stronger and better.”[1]

 

If there’s an area of life that that is clearly lived (squandered?) foolishly, is it right to say that this section of life is lived without fear of God? I’d think so.

 

Apply: The obvious application point is: Fear God. Solomon wants to see this in all areas of life. Let’s narrow it down though using the Boatner Scale (thanks, friend). I need to take inventory of my life, and evaluate all of the subcategories that are a part of my life: Finances, health, relationships, work/life balance, etc. Assigning a number to them based upon how healthy is sphere of influence is right now. Revering YHWH, if Solomon is honest, will have the residual effect of pulling these numbers up gradually from less healthy to more healthy over time. He brings health, and repels from folly.

 

Respond: Father, make me revere you in all manners of life. My life’s goal is to worship you. May I give you everything. And may you be the God of my salvation in finance, health, my family.


[1] Derek Kidner, Proverbs: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 17, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1964), 104.

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