May 17th - Fathoming Fear of the Father

Fathoming Fear of the Father

(Proverbs 1:1-7;

3:5-8;

9:10-12;

10:13-14, 23, 27;

13:14-16;

14:2, 6, 8, 12, 15, 18, 24, 26-27, 33;

15:3, 14, 21, 24, 33;

16:1, 3-4, 9, 16, 20, 22, 25, 33;

17:12;

18:2, 4, 10, 15;

19:2-3, 8, 21, 23;

20:5, 12, 15, 24;

21:11, 22, 30-31;

22:12, 17-21;

23:12;

24:3-4; 13-14;

25:1;

26:4-12;

27:1, 22, 24;

28:14, 26;

29:9, 25)

The Fear of the Lord

Artist Unknown

Our Scripture readings for today seem to jump all over the book of Proverbs, connected by a single primary theme, linking the fear of the Lord to godly wisdom.

Reread today’s Proverbs, and count how many times the word “fear” appears. Examine the context in each passage. What do you think “fear” means here? Is it a trembling terror, a weak-kneed worry or something else altogether?

How many synonyms for “fear” can you find in this word search puzzle? How many of these words apply to the way we ought to regard the Lord God?

Fearsome Fear

N C Y T I N G I D E M Z S T F

R O V E N E R A T I O N C N O

Y N I S T S A P I H S R O W V

I S O T H U I J N F F I U T K

X I L I I K B V V L T N R E N

V D K M T N O I T A M I T S E

Y E G O N A G S R R L U E D C

F R B N U B B O N T P C S J N

V A S I O V D O C E N Z Y I E

R T E A C A I M R E G A R D R

O I U L C T G E R P R H A W E

N O I T A I C E R P P A E N V

O N G V R X F T R O V A F A E

H Z O O B E I S A N C E B C R

T G C T D N Q E G A M O H K G

ACCOUNT

ADORATION

APPRECIATION

APPROBATION

AWE

CONSIDERATION

COURTESY

DEFERENCE

DIGNITY

ESTEEM

ESTIMATION

FAVOR

FEAR

HOMAGE

HONOR

OBEISANCE

OVATION

RECOGNITION

REGARD

REPUTE

REVERENCE

TESTIMONIAL

TRIBUTE

VENERATION

WORSHIP

Based on your Bible reading and findings, what do you think it really means to fear the Lord? How is this linked to godly wisdom?

Memory Matters

We will probably recognize several favorite Scripture memory verses in today’s readings. Which Proverbs have you stored in your heart already? Did the Lord direct you to any key Bible verses today? Why not memorize them?

Will you pray with me?

Awesome and holy God,

We are astounded and amazed

By all You are.

Reveal Your character

And Your great love

To us today.

Draw us close,

So that we may know You more.

We live to honor You

In holy fear and love,

For You are holy and loving.

Amen.