Whole Life Adjustment; Psalms 85 & 86, Proverbs 2

May the mumbling commence!

Many times in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament we read the idea of the fear of the Lord being the beginning of wisdom.  But, what does it mean to fear the Lord?  Let’s take a look at some passages from Psalms eighty-five and eighty-six as well as Proverbs chapter two.  From these passages, we can begin to patch together what it means to fear the Lord.

I will hear what God the Lord will speak,

For He will speak peace

To His people and to His saints;

But let them not turn back to folly. 

Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him,

That glory may dwell in our land. 

Mercy and truth have met together;

Righteousness and peace have kissed. 

Truth shall spring out of the earth,

And righteousness shall look down from heaven. 

Yes, the Lord will give what is good;

And our land will yield its increase. 

Righteousness will go before Him,

And shall make His footsteps our pathway. (Psalm 85: 8-13)

Teach me Your way, O Lord;

I will walk in Your truth;

Unite my heart to fear Your name. 

I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart,

And I will glorify Your name forevermore. 

For great is Your mercy toward me,

And You have delivered my soul

from the depths of Sheol. (Psalm 86: 11-13)

For the Lord gives wisdom;

From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; 

He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;

He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; 

He guards the paths of justice,

And preserves the way of His saints. 

Then you will understand righteousness and justice,

Equity and every good path. (Proverbs 2:6-9)

To fear the Lord means to hear God when He speaks.  It means to not only hear but to listen and obey – to walk in the Truth of God’s light.  It means to live with a heart united to the Lord God in all things.  It means to praise the Lord with all our beings.  It means to glorify God’s holy name forevermore.

What things do we receive for fearing the Lord?  We receive peace, salvation, mercy, truth, righteousness, knowledge, understanding, wisdom, protection, preservation, equity, and goodness.  Put those things all together, and it is no surprise that God’s grace and love are amazing.

Let us turn from the folly of our own ways – which are largely based upon worldly things and desires – and pick up the narrow path of our Lord. 

Listen.  Hear.  Obey.  Do these things with your whole being aligned to the Holy One. 

Enough mumbling for now… 

Peace Out