"Fear of God" (40 Days of Wisdom for Lent)

Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

(Proverbs 1:7 CEB)

Seek it like silver;
search for it like hidden treasure.
Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
and discover the knowledge of God.
The Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
(Proverbs 2:4-6 CEB)

Don’t consider yourself wise.
Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Then your body will be healthy
and your bones strengthened.
Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the first of all [you have and receive].
Then your barns will be filled with plenty [access to resources], 

and your vats will burst with wine [have more than enough].
Don’t reject the instruction of the Lord, my son;
don’t despise his correction.
The Lord loves those he corrects,
just like a father who treats his son with favor.
(Proverbs 3:7-12 CEB)

To fear the Lord is to hate evil.
I hate pride and arrogance,
the path of evil and corrupt speech.
I have advice and ability,
as well as understanding and strength.
I love those who love me;
those who seek me will find me.
Riches and honor are with me,
as well as enduring wealth and righteousness.
My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold;
my crops are better than choice silver.
I walk on the way of righteousness,
on the paths of justice,
to provide for those who love me
and to fill up their treasuries.
(Proverbs 8:13-14,17-21 CEB)

Those who walk with integrity fear the Lord,
but those who take a crooked path despise him.
In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence
and refuge for one’s children.
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
turning people away from deathtraps.
(Proverbs 14:2,26-27 CEB)

All the days of the needy are hard,
but a happy heart has a continual feast.
Better a little with fear of the Lord
than a great treasure with turmoil.
The ear that listens to life-giving correction
dwells among the wise.
Those who refuse discipline despise themselves,
but those who listen to correction gain understanding.
The fear of the Lord is wise instruction,
and humility comes before respect.
(Proverbs 15:15-16,31-33 CEB)

Don’t let your heart envy sinners,
but fear the Lord constantly;
then you will have a future,
and your hope won’t be cut off.
(Proverbs 23:17-18 CEB)