Proverbs 13:13, Trembling At God’s Word
July 9, Proverbs 13:13
1 Corinthians 2 “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:13).
Trembling At God’s Word
2. The Rewarded: He that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. The commandment reminds us of God’s authoritative word. The heart of man is right only when it fears the commandment of God above everything else. This fear brings no bondage, for it is no mere legalism. Reverent fear of God is the only path to freedom from every other fear. To deny that Word brings ruin, but, in keeping of it there is great reward (Ps. 19:9-11). Apathy or delay here is a deadly foe, for any time means no time.
a. Who rewarded? He that fears the commandment. Scripturally, to fear the Word, is to properly regard it, to reverence it for what it is, the Word of Almighty God. The Hebrews were told not to tremble or be afraid before their enemies (Dt. 20:3), but to tremble and fear before God’s word (Isa. 66:2,5). When Ezra had to deal with the sins of the Jews who had returned from Babylon, he said: Then were assembled unto me everyone that trembled at the words of the God of Israel (Ezra 9:4). Faith is the principle of fear, but “let God’s word be your fear, not your terror” (Bridges). Such only receive the reward.
b. Why rewarded? No other Word has so blessed the soul of mankind. Ponder again David’s testimony to God’s word in that wonderful Psalm 119. When it is received believingly, it gives light (v.130). When it is resorted to, it cleanses (v.9). When it is retained in the heart, it preserves from sin (v.11). When it is relied upon, it strengthens in times of uncertainty (v.28). When it is read, it instructs (vs. 33, 148). When it is reverenced, it vindicates (v.161). When it is the root of joy, it enriches (v.162). It still satisfies the soul’s deepest longings. In order to preserve man’s evil systems and lifestyles the Bible must either be “legislatively forbidden or theologically explained away” (Arnot). That is precisely what has happened as we move into this Twenty-First century. How few treat God’s Word as it ought to be treated! We have allowed it to be trivialised instead!
c. What Rewarded? Those who fear God’s word have the approval of Heaven and its daily reward in their lives. Unto such God looks, even to those who are contrite (smitten) in spirit, and who tremble at His Word. To tremble means to be terrified, to quake. It is used to describe the terror of Sinai, and the trembling of the people in the camp (Ex. 19:16, 18). In Ps. 34:18, contrite means a crushed spirit. That’s the word used for the suffering Messiah, who was bruised (crushed) for our iniquities (Isa. 53:5). Oswald Chambers once remarked to his students: “Beware of reasoning about God’s word;-obey it.” Martin Luther stated humbly: “I had rather obey than work miracles. Every word in the Bible points to Christ.” John Milton also testified regarding the Bible: “There are no songs to be compared with the songs of Zion, no orations equal to those of the prophets, and no politics equal to those that the Scriptures can teach us.” The Bible is the source of all that is best for us. Are you trifling with or trembling at God’s word?
Thought: “The Bible is not antique, or modern. It is Eternal” (Luther).
Prayer: For a conscience subject to the Word of God.