11/22/2024 – Day 152 – Proverbs – Chapter 1 – Re: “Fear of the Lord” is sine qua non (prerequisite) to “Wisdom”. / 2 of 2
First, a single verse post repeat from a prior cycle. I don’t do this often , but I am compelled here to proceed:
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” ( Proverbs 1:7 )
Commentary from “The Apologetics Study Bible” on this single verse:
“This is the central theme of Proverbs. The ‘fear of the Lord’ involves worship of the LORD and respectful submission to His authority in every area of life. It is this reverence of the Lord, according to the Proverbs that constitutes the only sure foundation for the pursuit of knowledge.”
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“1: 20-33. Wisdom is available to anyone who seeks it, as 2: 1-5 and 8:17 make clear… To get wisdom and fear of the Lord (vv. 23,33). Those who reject wisdom and refuse her invitation (vv. 24-25, 29-30) will reach a point of no return where the consequences of their folly are inevitable and inescapable. Wisdom’s response in vv. 26 and 28 does not conflict with the idea that those who seek wisdom will find it. The context makes it clear that the difficulties described here result from people’s failure to seek wisdom and their rejection of it.
These verses reflect the wisdom doctrine of retribution; people reap what they sow, and often in proportion to what they sow. In v. 26 wisdom responds in kind to those who mocked her when she spoke from the entrance of the city gates. Her response in verse 28 reflects the reality that there are consequence to behaviors that are not turned aside, even by repentance. While clearly recognizing the the sovereign providence of God (16:9), Proverbs also describes people as able to make genuine choices and as being responsible for the outcomes of those choices.”
Soli Deo Gloria!
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Questions for fellowship generation, the lifelong sanctification process:
- What does the text reveal about God’s character?
- How has this reading generated prayer for you and/or us?
- What themes stand out to you in this bible study?
- How does our reading fit into the bigger picture (creation, the fall, restoration, etc.)?
- What verse(s) jumped out at you like never before? Is it explainable at this point?
- Do you have any questions you would like to put before the group as to how to interpret any particular verse(s) in our reading. Let scripture testify to scripture: Share with us where you sense contradiction between passages elsewhere.
- What did you find convicting and inspiring at the same time? Share with us how the Spirit of God is working within you as a messenger, both within and outside of our fellowship group.
- Share with the group how our study is calling or confirming to you a new mission to glorify God in our times.