Proverbs 15:18-33

“The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility.” (Proverbs 15:33, NKJV)

Solomon has much to say about the fear of the LORD. It is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom and is the hatred of evil. It is also a fountain of life. But how do we obtain it? We must be willing to receive the instruction of wisdom. We must walk in the light as God is in the light. If we have sinned, then we must confess our sins, turn from them, and do our best to make things right with others. If we are shown a better way, then we must be willing to change and put it into practice. In a word, we must be teachable. But if we are unwilling to receive instruction, then we are foolish and will bear the consequences of our neglect.

Another characteristic of those who fear God is humility. We see this demonstrated in Christ who was in the form of God, and yet He emptied Himself and took the form of a servant. He humbled Himself to the point of dying on a cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted Him (Philippians 2:5-11). We must imitate His example of humble submission to the Father if we would please God and receive honor.

“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6, NKJV)

Would you like God to resist you? Or would you like to receive His abundant grace and honor? If you humble yourself and serve Him faithfully, then God will bless you and lift you up in His time.