The Wisdom in Fear - Poem by Raymond A. Foss

Understanding, from the beginning
awe and respect, aware
our distance from you
humbling ourselves
wisdom in fear
before you Creator
beyond our imagination
you before all
above everything
in heaven and below
the fear of the Lord
knowing my place
dust under your feet
clay in your hands
almighty God.

August 12, 2009
Psalm 111:10
New Revised Standard Version:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever.”
New Century Version
“Wisdom begins with respect for the Lord;
those who obey his orders have good understanding.
He should be praised forever.”
and Alive Now Daily Reflection
for August 12, 2009
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-10-16/
and see
----
The Beginning of Wisdom

In the beginning, we were afraid
we knew our nakedness
biting into the flesh of the fruit
of the forbidden tree

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
the psalmist wrote, oh so long ago
We forget so often
forget He is a jealous God
forget our weakness without him
walk in our own paths
for a separate false idol
graven images and temporal pleasures
Opportunities of epiphany lost
in our self-reliance

Cleave to the Lord
follow his commands
love one another
share in the Good News
Hear His still voice
burning within you now

July 1, 2006 7:50am
Psalm 111:10