Proverbs Devotion - Day 14

In chapter 14, we find many different themes of kings, speech, anger, and the needy, among others. But today, the focus will be on a pairing of verses 26-27. There is a unity in these two verses regarding “the fear of the Lord”. What we see in this pairing is that, fearing the Lord provides stability, security, and satisfaction. 

Verse 26 describes, first, that one can have “strong confidence.” It is important to note that it begins “in the fear of the Lord”. We’ve seen this idea repeated throughout Proverbs that “fear” of the Lord and wisdom. To fear God is not to be afraid but to revere, to honor, to respect. If we know the Lord for who He is and what He’s done for us, to forgive us and love us in Christ, then our natural response should be to fear and honor Him. Sinners forgiven fully now have the posture of our heart and life to do everything in a way that honors and glorifies God (Colossians 3:23-24). That kind of heart posture leads to a confidence. This confidence is not the idea of being prideful or resilient in our own efforts, abilities or power, but rather a confidence in the Lord. It’s faith and trust in Him and His faithfulness, that He will do what He has promised, and that He is in control provide stability in our life. Our life will have many ups and downs, joys and sorrows, awesome days and awful days. We cannot control them. But one of the best things we can do in life is admit that we are not in control, but that we know and trust the One who is. There is a stability that comes when we confess and live in the fear of the Lord. 

What we also see is that the fear of the Lord provides security. We see this in two ways. First, the second half of verse 26 tells us that the parent who lives in the fear of the Lord “will have a refuge.” This word has the idea of a “strong, secure fortress.” There is security in a huge fortress that is built strong and surrounded by tall walls and soldiers who are watching. So, a parent who lives with the kind of heart posture above provides a safe and secure family for his or her children. Growing up, I knew my parents were not perfect. But I also knew they loved each other and were committed to each other. There is safety for a child who has parents who are committed to the Lord and each other. Be committed to living in fear of the Lord, and it will provide a safe family environment for your children. 

Another way this is security is because, a parent who lives in fear of the Lord, will provide an environment that leads the children to honor God as well. No parent is perfect, but they can point to one who is. The goal is not to lead your children to be like you but rather to know and follow Jesus. Shepherd their heart to know the Great Shepherd. Don’t farm this out to the church or to a Christian education. Be a disciple-maker of your children. This means, give  them a front-row seat to what it looks like to fear the Lord. It means living what you teach. So when you mess up, confess it and repent. Speak in a godly way. Provide a good and godly example. Let them see what it looks like to ask and give forgiveness. There is safety in a family who truly lives out the gospel with one another and could provide the next generation a way to replicate it. 

Finally, verse 27 tells us that the fear of the Lord “is a fountain of life”. To the world, following God’s ways and God’s word seems restrictive, draconian, even abusive. But this verse reminds us that fearing God is the pathway to true satisfaction. It is the fountain or wellspring of life. True joy is found in surrender to a good King. Jesus described himself as giving “Living Water” that will truly satisfy every desire and longing of the heart, so that we’ll never thirst again. When we see God for who He is, and we know and understand what He’s done for us in Christ, then we see the “snares of death” for what they truly are: counterfeit and destructive burdens. Instead, our heart will rejoice and pursue the stability, security and satisfaction that we have in our relationship with our King and Savior Jesus. May the fear of the Lord be our posture each day.