How You Phrase Fear

(Proverbs 15:33 KJV)  The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

How can “fear” (3374) provide “instruction” (4148)?  The key here is to understand that it is the phrase and what the fear modifies that is important, not the word itself.  Every time this noun is used in Proverbs it is part of this phrase.

The attitude toward the teacher and the material has a lot to do with learning.  I know I have a hard time paying attention to someone once they demonstrate ignorance or hypocrisy.  I think of one pundit I used to listen to on the radio.  I considered him a reliable source.  Then I got my I-pod and began to download his complete show.  When I heard the whole thing instead of the snippets I got on the radio it became clear that he was a fraud.

God will never let us down.  His word will never leave us hanging.

So?  Make sure you have the right attitude when you read a good book or the Bible or listen to a trustworthy pastor.  You will never learn if you don’t listen to something.