The Fear of the Lord

~ Jon David Banks

Proverbs 15:31-33,

     31 He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof
            Will dwell among the wise.

     32 He who neglects discipline despises himself,
            But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.

     33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom,
            And before honor comes humility.

Reproof plus discipline equals wisdom. The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom. However, before one can be honored with wisdom, one must be humble.

Thus, humility, reproof, discipline, and then wisdom. The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom, and the fear of the Lord is accompanied by humility; they go hand in hand. Without fear of the Lord, there is no humility, and without humility, there is no fear of the Lord.

All who fear the Lord accept reproof and learn discipline, and thereby acquire understanding. And they never turn from humility, for they stand before the God of heaven and dare not raise themselves to His level. When they mature, He honors them with wisdom.

The fear of the Lord has been a popular phrase for centuries, yet very few have known what it is and what it costs. Only the humble can comprehend it. Only the humble can draw near it. Only the humble can walk in it. It is the instruction for wisdom and only the humble will follow its instruction and accept reproof, learn discipline, acquire understanding, and be honored with wisdom. 

“For many are called, but few are chosen,” Matthew 22:14.

Jon David Banks, God’s most unworthy servant

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org

Published by Jon David Banks

Separated at birth for the gospel (Jesus was seen in the delivery room by the attending nurse.) In my early twenties, I received the gospel through a revelation of Jesus Christ.