“The [reverent] fear of the LORD [worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect] prolongs one’s life, But the years of the wicked will be shortened. 

Proverbs 10:27 AMP

The verse reminds us that the starring point for a productive and peaceful life is the “fear” of the Lord. He is not talking about being afraid “of” God but rather demonstrating love and respect “for” God and His Word! Remember Proverbs 1?

“The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; But arrogant [a]fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline.

Proverbs 1:7 AMP

The Hebrew word here or reverence is the word meaning the “act or speech of showing profound respect toward a superior which includes action.” When Job is confronted by his friend about the ongoing trial of his life, he poses a good to question to Job.

““Is not your fear of God your confidence, And [is not] the integrity and uprightness of your ways your hope?”

Job 4:6 AMP

He is reminding Job that his strength through the valley can be exercised because of his commitment to the ways of God. All throughout the first 10 Proverbs we studied contain a promise of reward IF we will follow their direction. That brings us to the second word mentioned above, “obey!” A simple word yet one of the most difficult for men to receive. To obey means to surrender your wants and desires to follow the lead of another. When Samuel confronted King Saul for not following God’s ways, he directly connects Saul’s actions to the resulting situation of losing the throne.

“Why did you not obey the voice of the LORD, but [instead] swooped down on the plunder [with shouts of victory] and did evil in the sight of the LORD?” 20Saul said to Samuel, “I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone on the mission on which the LORD sent me, and have brought back Agag the king of Amalek, and have completely destroyed the Amalekites. 21But the people took some of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the best of the things [that were] to be totally destroyed, to sacrifice to the LORD your God at Gilgal.” 22Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obedience to the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed [is better] than the fat of rams.23“For rebellion is as [serious as] the sin of divination (fortune-telling), And disobedience is as [serious as] false religion and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you as king.”

1 Samuel 15:19-23 AMP

The word “obey” means to “use the perception of hearing with the ears to process the information given!” It also carries the meaning to “take heed, pay attention, and submit to the authority of another and so do what is asked for or required.” 

We read in the book of Hebrews a clear call to obedience to God’s Word.

“But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth].”

James 1:22 AMP

Our call is to “serve the Lord with Gladness” and remember that we are now stewards of the things of life, not owners! In order to do that, we must learn to “trust the Lord and lean not on our own understanding.” Our flesh will never submit to obedience willingly for it was born in sin and will die in sin. Our spirits however will one day be free to fulfill God’s original purpose and experience for mankind! Have a victorious day worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect! Pastor Ken