The chief root of wisdom
Wisdom
is a immensely precious and costly gift. How much we regret our
neglect, in times of trouble or times of difficulty when we need her.
She is far more costly than
rubies or gold.
Yet whilst this blinded world
struggles, groans, and sweats for her daily bread, how little trouble
do we take to find her and search for her till it is too late.
Where is the chief source of
wisdom?
Job, David and Solomon teach us
that only one tree bears this sacred fruit. The fear of the Lord is the
beginning of wisdom, and to depart from evil that is understanding.
The
Messiah teaches us something more.
“And I say unto you my friends,
Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more
that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him,
which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yes, I say
unto you, Fear him.”
(Luke 12:4-5)
What kind of fear is this? Not that which John means when he says “perfect love casts out fear”. It is a warning given to us from a friend, from His love. But strong and deep fear is intended: an intense longing to please Him above all else, and concern not to offend Him.
Fear
drives so much of our lives: fear of failure, fear of disapproval, fear
of isolation - so much of it needless and unhelpful. The fear of man
can become a trap. But this fear is a fountain of life. What else can
be more dangerous than to neglect the will of God? This wholesome fear
puts all our life in perspective, and subdues other fears.
So the Lord says a few verses
later, in another sense, “Do not fear”.
Our
Chinese brethren in all their afflictions and troubles make this verse
into a song and sing it in triumph and joy. O to have such grace in our
hearts !
