“The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” (Proverbs 15:33, ESV)

Reading the Scriptures daily takes any reader along the paths of familiarity. One of two things might be done on familiar paths. Either a discovery of needfully beautiful truths, or vexation because there is nothing new. 

I don’t want to be vexed like a child. By God’s grace may I not be like those who only find satisfaction in novelty. However, here is the problem—all too often I find myself rolling over the familiar without joy. But I am neither vexed or rejoicing in beautiful truths. Its true, I have another response to habitual exposure to God’s truths. I joylessly march though the beautiful glades of God’s Word. Lord forgive me! Grant me repentance! 

By God’s grace my travels through His Word often yield nuggets of gold and precious stones. This morning I read Proverbs 15:33, a verse familiar and forgotten, even so, it is a passage needed by my soul. 

I pray for wisdom daily, and here it is clear that wisdom does not come as a magical intuition that some people have and others do not. The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom. God instructs His children in wisdom through the fear of Him. 

So, my prayers have been altered by the Word of God. I pray that I may fear God and that I’ll be instructed in wisdom, leading to humility. By God’s grace may we be a people of wisdom as instructed by the fear of the Lord.