“And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.”(Job 28:28 KJV)

           “Fear of the Lord” This fear is a healthy fear because it is not a paralyzing dread, it is having deep respect, awe, and reverence for God.  It builds a foundation for making smart decisions.  It provides deep, internal security.  It serves as a guardrail against destruction. It clarifies your life’s purpose.

           When you fear the world you experience anxiety over circumstances, compliance driven by fear of punishment, and people pleasing and compromises.  When you fear the Lord, you experience peace over circumstance, obedience driven by love and respect, freedom and confidence in your values, morals, and actions.

           “True Wisdom” is knowing God is the real starting point in life.  It is not just intelligence, but the practical ability to live a good, a righteous life based on God’s perspective.  It is respect of God.  It is about how you handle your money, how you treat family, friends, and others.  It is how you act in life—it is learning how to respond not react.  It produces integrity, honesty, and being trustworthy,

           “Understanding” is choosing to walk away from bad or evil actions. It is learning to set boundaries. You learn to remove yourself from situations that compromise you and your beliefs.  You learn to see past the temporary pleasure of a bad choice and recognize the long-term pain it will cause you and others.  It is not just feeling bad about evil but making a deliberate decision to not go down that path.  

           It is learning to expand your relationship with God, walking in the ways of the Lord and what He has called you to be and to do.  It is not an easy journey, but it is a healthy journey.  It is a way of life.  The question is do you want to travel down this path?  God Bless.  Amen.

denise