Proverbs 9:10-11 (HCSB)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by Wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.
Everything has a starting point; our lives, our careers, a football game, a concert, painting the living room, shopping for groceries, our education, and other things not listed. And, all of these things have an end point.
So it is with wisdom. Godly wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. Knowledge also begins the same way (Prov. 1:7). This is a healthy fear. It does not mean we are scared to death of the Lord; that we cower in His presence. To “fear the Lord” simply means we have a healthy respect and honor for God Almighty; a recognition that we stand in awe of the One who makes all things possible (Matt. 19:26); the One who created all things (Gen. 1), who sent His Son to die for us (John 3:16); who answers when we call to Him (Jer. 33:3); who will never leave us nor forsake us (Deut: 31:5, Heb. 13:5). This is a fear all Christians should fully embrace.
This fear of the Lord comes with a promise that years will be added to our lives. This is not to be mistaken for a life that extends to the age of 80 or 90. It means what is says; years will be added to your life. Perhaps a person was going to die at the very young age of 28, but because they feared the Lord they died at 33. Praise the Lord! God granted them five extra years of life!
Certainly these added years will give us more time with family, more time to invest in our careers, or more time to simply enjoy whatever life brings. I would suggest that these added years grant us opportunity to share Jesus with others; that the lost may be found, and that they, too, may fear the Lord and receive added days of precious life.
Let us use our time wisely while time may be found. Fear the Lord, gain wisdom, obtain knowledge, live longer lives, and do so with the understanding that we are called to share Jesus with those that so desperately need Him!
Copyright 2025 Michael Callahan Ministries, LLC
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