“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 “Fear of the Lord” is the central theme of the Book of Proverbs. The only appropriate way to approach the Lord is with fear, that is, reverence. The “fear of the Lord” is reverence for…
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 The term “burdens” specifically means “loads” that temptations and sin bring upon fellow Christians, but in principle could include all burdens. However, the Greek word for “burdens” refers to something beyond the normal capacity to carry, as opposed…
“A person finds joy in giving an apt reply – and how good is a timely word.” Proverbs 15:23 Words are powerful since they can either build up or destroy. Solomon devoted many of his proverbs to the consequences of speech. Just as foolish words can bring about a person’s own destruction, a wise word…
“I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8 “Desire” is to find pleasure in one’s inmost being by hearing God’s Word and doing His will. What brings pleasure to God will also bring delight to His people. “Law” literally means “instruction” or “direction,” including God’s Commandments as…
“Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:11-12 “Your presence” is a phrase where David is acknowledging that to be denied access to the earthly tabernacle of God’s mercy is…
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 Do not fret is the theme of this psalm. When the wicked seem to prosper, the psalmist calls for patience, a renewed sense of dependence on the Lord, and a new sense of pleasure in knowing Him. Early…
“The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.” Psalm 25:14-15 “Confides” implies that those who have faith live in a close, personal relationship with God. “Fear Him” means those who fear…
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Palm 19:14 “Pleasing in Your sight” is a phrase connected to the foregoing confession and pleas for God’s grace … apart from God’s grace, nothing can find favor with Him. “My rock”…
“How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.” 2 Samuel 7:22 This chapter records the establishment of the Davidic Covenant, which amplifies and confirms the nation promises of the Abrahamic Covenant in Genesis 12:1–3. The issues…
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.” Proverbs 1:8-9 The opening words of wisdom’s instruction come as an appeal from parents to their son (a generic term for child) – a theme that…