The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life. – Proverbs 14:27
What is the fear of the Lord? Some may think it is continually looking over your shoulder expecting punishment. When bad things happen, it may be tempting to wonder if God is out to get you. No, the fear of the Lord is not that kind of fear. It is a deep reverence! While there are consequences to sin, and sometimes God allows painful experiences to bring you back on track, He is love and anything He does is out of love (1 John 4:8b; James 1:17).
Today’s verse states that the fear of the Lord is a fountain of life. Popular urban myth says that in the early 1500s, Ponce de Leon was in search of the Fountain of Youth in Florida, though there is no historical evidence to back that up. Today, in St. Augustine, a tourist trap marks the supposed spot of his landing where you can drink from “the Fountain of Youth.” How much better it is to have a deep reverence for God rather than a questionable historical landmark. Reverence for the Lord leads to a wholesome, relationship-oriented life of answered prayers, comfort in the Holy Spirit, and purpose—a fountain of life.
In your prayer time today, pray that people will understand the importance of revering the Lord and living a life not only dedicated to doing His will but a life of receiving His care and provision. As a Barrett and Brown song sung by Chris Tomlin says, He is a “good, good Father.” As you respect your parents and desire your children to respect you, so honor your heavenly Father. He loves you, hears you, and answers you as you pray for your loved ones and citizens and officials of the United States.
Today’s Verse: Proverbs 14:27
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
that one may turn away from the snares of death.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Proverbs 2:1-11
My son, if you receive my words
and treasure up my commandments with you,
2 making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;
3 yes, if you call out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
8 guarding the paths of justice
and watching over the way of his saints.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice
and equity, every good path;
10 for wisdom will come into your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
11 discretion will watch over you,
understanding will guard you,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
