Today’s 333 Devotional: “The Whole Duty of Man”

If we want to understand the world, then we need to fear the Lord and obey His commandments. This was what the Psalmist’s concluded.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments.” (Psalm 111:10)

But to fear God doesn’t mean we cower in the corner being afraid; instead, it’s an awesome respect or reverence we have for God that grows out of an understanding of His greatness.

Wisdom isn’t what you know about the world; rather it’s what you know about God. Human reasoning will not make us wise. Instead, what makes a person wise is their understanding the nature and character of God and His word.

But it’s more than that. It’s knowing God and keeping His word.

Job says that wisdom cannot be purchased with worldly wealth, nor can it be found amongst humanity. So, Job asks this question and then gives us the answer.

“From where then does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding?” (Job 28:20)

“Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.” (Job 28:28)

If we want to know what’s going on in our lives, then we have to start having a healthy respect and reverence for God and start obeying His commandments.

In fact, this is what the Lord requires and what Solomon says is the whole duty of a believer.

 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good.” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13)

“Let us (therefore) hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)