“Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.” Proverbs 15:33 NLT
The richness of the meaning of this verse is “in between the lines” so to speak. Wisdom and honor are good things and are worthy things to be desired. But desire alone, will not be enough to obtain them. Additionally, wisdom and honor do not simply come from the pursuit of information. No, “between the lines” we find that wisdom and honor are developed in relationship.
When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, He responded; “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40 ESV Each of the commandments were based on relationships. First with God, and then with others. Wouldn’t it make sense that those relationships would permeate everything in life? So too, wisdom and honor are to be developed in relationship. With God first, then with others.
It is the fear of the Lord that teaches wisdom. Meaning that it is the reverence for the Lord, being in relationship with Him, listening to Him, communicating with Him and keeping things in perspective. It is in those ways that the Lord teaches us wisdom.
In a similar way, it is humility that precedes honor. Once again the element of relationship is necessary. Humility is a team event, it is not a solo sport. Humility might begin privately but it is displayed and developed in our relationships with other people. It is this authentic humility that will come before and then contribute to honor.
This week Fear the Lord and walk humbly, wisdom and honor are sure to follow
In His Hands,
John
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