Better than a Nanny

(Pro 15:16 KJV) Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

We live in a Nanny State that wants everyone to be taken care of.  We tend to think that the government is going to bail us out.  When we have a hurricane people think that there are going to be cheap loans and grants to pay for the damage.  In this environment we tend to avoid things like “fear” (3374) but Biblically it is a very powerful concept if understood correctly.

We get a bit of insight when we see that fear is contrasted with “trouble” (turmoil NASB) (4103).  We tend to think of fear creating turmoil but that is better stated as terror.  A healthy fear helps us to focus on what is important and gives a real drive to behavior.  The “turmoil” spoken of here includes the idea of confusion and panic.  It is a lot like being a child in the hands of a strong father.  I keep hearing about how my granddaughter goes to the beach and faces the waves with no fear.  The reason is that her father is there to bail her out.  Who can fear a little wave when you dad is there?

So?  We need to live aware that our God is bigger than the waves.  Our resources are not summed up in money in the bank or bars on the windows.  The proper perspective on God gives us a genuine sense of assurance.