28 May Job 28

In Job 28, Job reflects on the inaccessibility and value of wisdom. He contrasts human ability to mine earthly treasures with the elusive nature of wisdom, ultimately concluding that wisdom is found in reverence for God.

The Fear of the Lord

Job 28:28 (AMP) says, “But to man He said, ‘Behold, the reverential and worshipful fear of the Lord—that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.’”

The fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. True wisdom begins with a deep reverence and awe for God. When we truly fear God, obedience becomes a natural and immediate response. This reverence is not just an emotion, but a commitment to follow God’s guidance, and it leads to a life aligned with His will.

John Bevere notes, "To fear God is to believe God. To believe God is to obey Him." In other words, the fear of God involves believing His word and living it out through obedience. Proverbs 1:7 (AMP) echoes this by saying, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge; But arrogant fools despise wisdom and instruction and self-discipline.”

Proverbs 2:5 (AMP) further emphasises, “Then you will understand the fear of the Lord And discover the knowledge of God.” God reveals His wisdom to those who honour and revere Him.

The fear of the Lord brings us closer to God. Psalm 25:14 (AMP) says, “The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, And He will let them know His covenant and reveal to them its meaning.” By honouring God with reverence, we gain access to His wisdom and a deeper understanding of His heart.

This reverence is evident in the life of Abraham, whose obedience proved his faith. James 2:21-23 (AMP) tells us, “Was our father Abraham not justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar ? … Abraham believed God, and this was credited to him as righteousness and as conformity to His will, and he was called the friend of God.”

The fear of the Lord opens the door to friendship with God. Psalm 25:14 (NLT) declares, “The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.” Jesus also spoke of this relationship in John 15:14-15 (AMP): “You are my friends if you keep on doing what I command you… I have called you friends, because I have revealed to you everything that I have heard from My Father.”

God shares His will with those who fear Him and walk in obedience. In Genesis 18:17-21 (NLT), God reveals His plans to Abraham, showing the closeness that the fear of the Lord brings.

In conclusion, John Bevere rightly says, "True holiness or purity of heart is perfected or made mature in the fear of God!" The fear of the Lord leads to obedience, wisdom, and a deep friendship with God, revealing His heart and His purposes for us.