As – Fear ADONAI and Turn from Evil 3: 7-8

Fear ADONAI and Turn from Evil
3: 7-8

A proverb is a short and memorable saying designed to be our blueprint for living in the world that ADONAI has created. It is important to note that proverbs are not promises; they are generally true principles, all other things being equal.

Proverbs says: There is more hope for fools than for people who think they are wise (26:12). A spirit of self-assurance will destroy you and everyone you love. It cannot work! The universe will not cooperate with our arrogant self-centeredness. But fearing ADONAI and turning away from evil – calling sin sin and turning from it – is healing and refreshing. It’s not just that you will avoid pain; you will enjoy healing and refreshment. Here is irony. The more you fear God, the less you fear other humans. The more dependent you are on ADONAI, the more independent you will be. The more you are conformed to the image of Messiah (Romans 8:29), the more of an individual you will be. The more you obey Him, the freer you will be. You will be healed spiritually and refreshed.⁷³

There is a difference between human wisdom and wisdom from above. Not all wisdom is godly, as we can see with Solomon’s decline (see the commentary on the Life of Solomon, to see link click Bx – Solomon’s Wives). The wise father’s call to his son: Don’t be wise in your own eyes (3:7a NIV), is just a different way of saying: don’t depend on your own understanding (3:5b). If the son thinks he is wise, then he will try to do things with his own capabilities, which won’t work. The opposite of being wise in one’s own eyes is to fear ADONAI (see Ai – The Fear of ADONAI is the Beginning of Wisdom). The warning about being wise in one’s own eyes may be found elsewhere in Proverbs (3:5, 26:12, 27:1, 28:11 and 26) as, of course, is the case with the warning to fear YHVH (1:7, 9:10, 10:27, 14:26-27, 15:16 and 33, 16:6, 19:23, 31:30) and turn away from evil.⁷⁴ This verse clearly shows the connection between the fear of ADONAI and humility, which is also made clear in 22:4.

The fear of ADONAI put’s one’s own abilities and resources in proper perspective, and also leads to an aversion to evil. Fear ADONAI and turn away from evil (3:7b NIV). Yes, it’s a simple thing to say, but it’s very hard to do. The Adversary is still alive and well. As a result of our sin nature (see the commentary on Romans Bm – The Consequences of Adam), we have a fatal disease that puts us on the road to death and are in need of healing. However, when we trust in ADONAI, which is intimately connected with turning from our persistent evil, we can find healing toward eternal life (see the commentary on The Life of Christ Ms – The Eternal Security of the Believer).

This will bring healing to your body (3:8a BSB), and strength to your bones (3:8b NLV). This is not promoting a “prosperity doctrine” (see 3:2). Isaiah tells us that by Messiah’s wounds we are healed in a spiritual sense, not a physical sense (see the commentary on Isaiah Jb – Yet We Considered Him Punished and Stricken by God). Nevertheless, the healing to [our] bodies is generally true, all things being equal. It provides an incentive for doing the right thing. This reward surpasses any financial gain as a result of obedience (see At – Honor ADONAI With Your Wealth). Health is a holistic, not just a physical, word; it points to a thriving and radiant wellness (see the related noun in 4:22, 6:15, 12:18, 13:17, 14:30, 15:4, 16:24, 29:1). The frequency of this concept is a key to the fact that, for Proverbs, “health” or “healing” are code words for the blessing that is God’s gift to those who walk in the path of wisdom. It is like a cool drink to a thirsty traveler.

These ingredients of trust sound like an outline of a wedding ceremony. Commitment is symbolized in the giving and receiving of rings and the endowing partner “with all worldly goods.” Denial is clearly voiced in “leaving all others, will you keep yourself only for her as long as you both shall live?” Relationship is not only in “to have and to hold from this day forward” but especially in “to love and cherish.” Well-being is promised in the blessing where ADONAI is called to make His face to shine upon you, be gracious unto you, and give you shalom (see the commentary on Numbers Bb – The Aaronic Blessing). Do we need special anniversary celebrations to renew our trust in God as we do our pledge to our parters?⁷⁵

Dear heavenly Father, praise You that You are such a wise, wonderful and perfect father and for the relationship You offer to always be right there to guide, love and to care for me! For God Himself has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5c). Following Your guidance is always wisest. There will never be a time when You ever make a mistake, nor do you ever get tired or sleepy. My help comes from ADONAI, Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip. Your Keeper will not slumber. Behold, the Keeper of Isra’el neither slumbers nor sleeps. (Psalms 121:2-4). The result of keeping my eyes on You is a life full of peace and joy (John 1:12). Your love, ADONAI, is in the heavens, Your faithfulness up to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God. Your judgments are like the great deep (Psalms 36:5-6). How sweet it is for me to rest in You with complete confidence that You made an eternal home in heaven (John 14:2-3) for those who believe You (John 14:23). He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more. Nor shall there be mourning or crying or pain any longer, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4). Your guidance is always wrapped in Your steadfast love and infinite wisdom. In Messiah Yeshua’s holy Name and power of His resurrection. Amen