APR 7

Proverbs 1:1-7
Memorise James 1:5
“…hereby we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”

To fear God is to have a wholesome reverence for Him. The Bible tells us that only with such an attitude can we begin to attain knowledge and wisdom (Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 111:10). Indeed, this will lead to a good understanding of His Word. Without such reverence, one would tend to handle God’s Word casually and interpret it loosely and liberally.

Without fear or reverence, an interpreter would not take God’s Word seriously and would not approach it with an attitude of respect and awe. This would result in a tendency for him to inject his own thoughts and ideas into his interpretation rather than to expound its meaning in the purest and most unadulterated way. If certain parts of the Bible do not suit or please him, he may simply disregard it or read into it an entirely different meaning.

From Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 111:10 we learn that true knowledge and wisdom come from having such a fear and reverence. We need to approach God’s Word with the utmost fear and trembling, not to treat it lightly or frivolously, but being acutely aware that these are the very words of God Almighty. Good technique or correct application of hermeneutics alone would not be enough, for without this right fear, we would not be approaching the study of God’s Word with the right awareness of who its Author is, and how absolutely pure and true His words must be.

It is not difficult to understand how we have this tendency to perceive something less credibly when it is told by someone whom we do not take seriously. It is just like a convicted drug trafficker waiting on death row being told by one of his fellow inmates that he has been spared the gallows because he has been granted a Presidential Pardon. He has little reason to believe that it is true, considering the source of the news. If, however, he receives a letter with the Presidential stamp and seal saying exactly the same thing he would be elated as he would be absolutely convinced of its truth simply because it came straight from the President himself. How much more, then, are we to take God seriously and treat His Word with fear?

Thought: God’s Word, unlike man’s words, has the power to save souls and transform lives.
Prayer: Teach me, O Lord, to always hold Your Word in highest regard and to never deny its truth at any cost.