Homiletic Magazine Job 28:28 And to man he said, Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. "The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom," because it, and it alone, secures the truest happiness for man, both here and hereafter. It does this — I. By the REMOVAL OF THE MANY MORAL HINDRANCES TO MAN'S HAPPINESS. The burden of sin. A guilty conscience. Moral defilement (Romans 5:1-5). II. By the RESTORATION OF THE SOUL TO ITS PRISTINE STATE OF PURITY AND LIKENESS TO GOD (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10). It creates new tastes — tastes for sublime, exalted, noble, holy things. III. By its real TENDENCY TO SECURE EVEN TEMPORAL GOOD under ordinary circumstances. It inculcates sober, honest, industrious habits, and everything that helps men to advancement in life. IV. By the CONSOLATION IT AFFORDS UNDER ALL THE UNAVOIDABLE TRIALS AND SORROWS OF THE PRESENT LIFE. 1. Consolation in the thought of the present active Providence of God (Matthew 10:29-31; Hebrews 12:8-11). 2. Consolation afforded by the gracious presence and action of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16, 17). 3. Consolation realised in the assurance of a Divine purpose for good in all these troubles (Romans 8:28). 4. Consolation in the prospect of the glorious inheritance for which these troubles tend to fit us (2 Corinthians 4:16-18; John 14:1-3). 5. By the assurance it thus gives of dwelling in the light of God forever (Psalm 16:11; Luke 12:32; Matthew 13:43; Revelation 22:3-5). (Homiletic Magazine.). Parallel Verses KJV: And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. |
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