The Fear Of The Lord
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Proverbs teaches us wisdom in friendships, finances, and relationships. It also teaches the fear of the Lord. Living in wisdom brings freedom and joy.
Leaving The Nest
My oldest daughter moved out on her own three years ago, my son got married two weeks ago, and my youngest daughter is leaving in September for YWAM. Watching each one leave the nest is hard.
My son had lived on his own, but returned for two months before the wedding. I would be lying to say I did not enjoy every moment of him coming home. On the day of his wedding he shouted across the house to me, “Bye mom, I’m going to get married” and then I heard the door shut.
Do you know how many thoughts go through your mind with words like that? First of course is where did the time go? My baby boy is leaving, and so much more. But one thing that stands out the most is, did I do everything I could to prepare him for this? Is he ready? Is he equipped?
A Momma’s Heart
My momma’s heart hurt, but I have peace in knowing his relationship with God is more advanced that mine was at his age. I had peace in knowing what I may have failed to teach him, God had.
As I prepare for our third child to leave in September, the same thoughts have flowed through my head. What else do I need to teach her? Solomon and one of his wives must have felt something similar. The book of Proverbs is predominately he and a wife sharing their wisdom with a son.
Within the 375 Proverbs, we get three clear messages from Solomon. The first, be careful of the friends you choose. The second, be careful how you manage your finances and the third, don’t get involved with someone else’s wife. Let’s look at these individually.
Friendships
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
Proverbs 11:13 NIV
“Good people obtain favor from the Lord, but He condemns those who devise wicked schemes.”
Proverbs 12:2 NIV
My girls more so than my son, and girls in the schools where I worked, had a really hard time. Girls are so mean to one another. My youngest is one of the most compassionate people I know and longs to help whoever she can. This trait also set her up for getting stomped on. So many times I had to tame my inner mama bear.
When she would want to mend fences with a girl who wronged her, I would share Proverbs 4:23. It even got to the point she would start the conversation with, “Mom, before I tell you this I plan to guard my heart.”
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Proverbs 4:23 NIV
I love how the Voice translation says it, “Above all else, watch over your heart; diligently guard it because from a sincere and pure heart comes the good and noble things of life.”
“Above all else, watch over your heart; diligently guard it because from a sincere and pure heart comes the good and noble things of life.” ~Proverbs 4:23 Voice Share on XA quote I have held close…
“You’re the average of the five people spend the most time with,”
Jim Rohn
Now that will make you think about who you spend your time with. Take a moment and reflect on the five people you spend the most time with. Do you want to be like them? If your answer is no, then you should set some boundaries and change who you share your precious time with.
If Lyme Disease taught me nothing else, when you have only a little energy, you learn to use it wisely and spend it with those who strengthen you.
You know those people I am talking about. When you are around them, you feel drained. You can still spend time with them, but protect yourself and limit your time. Allocate more time with others that lift you up. You will find yourself in a much better place.
Finances
God has blessed our family many times over by those who have wealth and share it. Others have given us money for medical bills. We have received trips, and for making ends meet. God has provided for many of our needs through the generosity of others.
When someone has great wealth, it is beautiful to see when they use it for the kingdom. On the other hand, we have all seen people use their wealth for personal gain and flamboyance. Our finances can enhance or hinder the kingdom.
Solomon knew this all too well. Along with his love for foreign women, his wealth became his downfall. He shares first hand to his son what prosperity can do to harm you.
“Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.”
Proverbs 15:16 NIV
“How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver.”
Proverbs 16:16 NIV
Stay True To Your Spouse
Proverbs not only emphasizes the need for not getting involved with married women, but also the dangers of a cantankerous wife. Solomon, with over 700 wives, knows the value of a kind woman and mutual respect.
“Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.”
Proverbs 21:9 NIV
Remaining true to your wife is one of the most reiterated theme in the proverbs. I cannot imagine anything to hurt more than a wayward spouse. With 700 wives, Solomon had to see the damage this did to the women. Deep wounds can fester from this kind of betrayal. Solomon tries to keep his son from making the same mistakes.
“My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways, for an adulterous woman is a deep pit, and a wayward wife is a narrow well. Like a bandit she lies in wait and multiplies the unfaithful among men.
Proverbs 23:26-28 NIV
The Fear Of The Lord
One more theme I don’t want to leave out and that is the fear of the Lord. Twenty times in proverbs, Solomon reminds us to fear the Lord. This is not feeling terrified of what God may do to us, or feeling afraid.
The Hebrew word for fear, yir’â, means reverence. When we respect God for who He is, He protects us from evil, and keeps us from trouble. Having this healthy adoration for God brings great joy. As the scripture below says, it brings life.
When we have a healthy fear of the Lord, we find freedom in who He is and can live life to the absolute fullest through His sovereignty. Share on XWhen we have a healthy fear of the Lord, we find freedom in who He is and can live life to the absolute fullest through His sovereignty.
“The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.”
Proverbs 19:23 NIV
The Book of Proverbs shares so much wisdom with us. Thank you for sharing these insights to help us gain greater understanding. On another note, having had an empty nest for a few years now, I feel your pain. I hope you are blessed with a joyful week.
Love the themes from Proverbs you touch on here. Definitely a book to return to frequently to seek wisdom along life’s many trails and trials.
My nest has been empty several years. I feel your pain. I’m thankful that God guides us as parents. He gets us through the trials and gifts us with joy at the milestones (like weddings). Thank you for sharing this informative and inspiring message.
Our nest has been empty with both kids in college, but it’s about to feel emptier. Our son finishes grad school this month and will move to Texas in September for his first “real” job (which seems a really long way from Georgia!). Thank you for sharing your own heart and encouraging the rest of us. God bless!
We are empty nesters too so I understand your thoughts and feelings. Thanks for sharing your heart.
You’ve distilled the messages from Proverbs very well, Jen. And all this wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. Thank you!