Soak Yourself In The Fear Of God
Proverbs 23 advises on various aspects of life, including the importance of self-control, wisdom, and the consequences of indulgence. It emphasises the significance of wise associations, particularly in the context of parenting and guidance. The chapter warns against the dangers of overindulgence in alcohol and the pursuit of wealth while encouraging a focus on spiritual values and discernment.
Proverbs 23:17-18 (NIV): “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”
Proverbs 23:17-18 (MSG): “Don’t for a minute envy careless rebels; soak yourself in the Fear-of-God—That’s where your future lies. Then you won’t be left with an armload of nothing.”
To “soak in the fear of God” means more than just having a fleeting sense of reverence; it calls for a deep, personal relationship with Him. It’s about loving God wholeheartedly and obeying His Word faithfully. When Scripture encourages us to immerse ourselves in the fear of God, it suggests that we allow His presence and authority to envelop our lives, guiding our thoughts, actions, and decisions.
A heart soaked in the fear of God is keenly aware of His presence, purpose, and sovereignty in every aspect of life. This awareness leads to a willingness to follow His guidance and embrace His will.
A Hopeful Future
There is a hopeful future in soaking in the fear of God. Proverbs 14:27 (MSG): “The Fear-of-God is a spring of living water so you won’t go off drinking from poisoned wells.” Proverbs 10:27 (MSG): “The Fear-of-God expands your life; a wicked life is a puny life.” Proverbs 14:26 (MSG): “The Fear-of-God builds up confidence and makes a world safe for your children.”
When we surrender ourselves to God’s authority, we can trust that our future is secure. Jesus reassures us of this promise in Matthew 6:30-33 (MSG): “If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think He’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do His best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way He works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how He works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.”
This powerful passage reminds us that placing our hope in God and submitting to His Lordship allows us to soak in His goodness and provision. By doing so, we won’t miss out on the blessings of life; instead, we will find that all our everyday needs are met. Remember, there is a promising future for you when you dwell in the fear of the Lord.