Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Here we see the word "fear" and think we should be scared. That is not the case at all. Fear in the Hebrew language is (יִרְאָה yirah) and it means or implies a moral reverence and humility before God. It does not mean terror or dread. It's reverent awe, deep respect, and submission to God's authority. It is recognizing God as the ultimate source of truth, justice, and wisdom. 

The verse goes on to state that fearing the Lord is "the beginning of knowledge." "Beginning" here means foundation or starting point. It is not just the first step, but it is the core.  True knowledge starts with a spiritual bearing. It's acknowledging God's role in shaping understanding. Without this foundation, learning can become misdirected or self-serving. 

The rest of the verse touches on how fools despise wisdom and instruction. "Fools" in proverbs isn't just unintelligent people. They are morally careless individuals. They are resistant to correction. These individuals reject guidance, discipline, and the humility required to grow. 

This verse is the driving concept of Proverbs. It's the seventh verse in the first book. The number seven is Jesus' number in bible numeric. This verse teaches that spiritual reverence is the gateway to wisdom, and that rejection instruction is the mark of foolishness. It's not just about intellect. It's about the condition of the heart toward the truth. 

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering." —Colossians 3:12 

Every morning, we wake up and choose what we will wear that day. Paul reminds us that our spiritual outfit matters even more with this verse. As God's saved, we're invited to clothe ourselves in virtues that reflect His heart: compassion that runs deep, kindness that softens, humility that listens, meekness that yields, and patience that endures. 

These are not just character traits. They are tools for building up the body of Christ. Whether it is in our home, church, community, or workplace they become the threads that bind us together. They become our spiritual clothes. 

Paul speaks of bowels of mercies. In ancient language, the "bowels" were seen as the seat of deep emotion. This phrase means heartfelt compassion with mercy that flows from the core. Kindness is the gentle, generous spirit toward others, especially when they least deserve it. Humbleness of mind is not just modesty. It is the mindset of putting others first and realizing our dependence on God. Meekness is not weakness. It is choosing gentleness when you could have chosen power. 
 
These aren’t just meaningful ideals. They’re tools for approaching the day with grace. Whether you're heading into a busy office, a classroom full of energy, or simply navigating the quiet tasks of home, these spiritual garments equip you to respond with love, lead with wisdom, and build up those around you.

So, when you get dressed in the morning, don’t forget to put on mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience—your spiritual outfit for the day.

Proverbs 22:28 "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set"

We’ve begun a new study in Sunday School on the book of Proverbs, exploring the contrast between wisdom and foolishness. The life lessons found in Proverbs are both timeless and deeply practical. If I was ever only able to have one book of the bible, I believe it would be proverbs. 
Proverbs 22:28 says, “Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.” This verse carries both a literal and spiritual meaning. Literally, it refers to the boundary stones used in ancient Israel to divide property and moving them was considered theft. Spiritually, it offers wisdom, warning, and application: we must not tamper with inherited boundaries which are God-ordained truths. 
These ancient landmarks represent our core biblical doctrines—truths passed down through generations that define who we are. Doctrines like salvation by grace through faith, the authority of Scripture, and the deity of Christ are not negotiable. They are the foundation of our faith. This verse reminds us to guard against modern reinterpretations and theological drift that threaten to compromise these truths.
It also calls us to honor our spiritual fathers—not just our ancestors, but our pastors, teachers, and faithful believers who have presented the faith once delivered unto the saints. Removing these landmarks is not only dangerous—it’s disrespectful to those who stood firm in the faith.
So how do we honor these landmarks today? By standing. The landmarks of truth are not relics—they are anchors. To move them is to drift. To honor them is to stand. And we must stand now more than ever. Too many have drifted, allowing the world and Satan to gain ground.
Let us be people who hold the line, who cherish the truth, and who honor the legacy of faith with courage and conviction.