Don’t for a minute envy careless rebels;
soak yourself in the Fear-of-God—
That’s where your future lies.
Then you won’t be left with an armload of nothing.
-Proverbs 23:17-18 (MSG)

If we fear God, we listen to and for His voice; we’re attentive to what He says to us, whether it’s in the Word, in prayer, or wherever we are. God is always present, everywhere. Don’t be like the rebels who don’t even pay attention to God, or forget God when you don’t need Him; but live a life soaked in the Fear-of-God, acknowledging His presence everywhere, listening to and obeying what He says whenever, wherever.

That’s the Fear-of-God soaked life I want to live. If God says “GO,” I’m gone.

I passed by the field of a sluggard,
by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,
and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;
the ground was covered with nettles,
and its stone wall was broken down.
Then I saw and considered it;
I looked and received instruction.
A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest,
and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
and want like an armed man.

Proverbs 24:30-34 (ESV)

Reading this passage, I wondered how often I really tried learn from the mistakes of others… Not only should I learn from them by observing the condition the mistake has caused the person, but perhaps listen to the instruction of the person who has been through it. I’ve been kind of bad at this in the past. For instance: people saying, “You don’t want to end up in my situation!” to which I’ve replied, “That won’t happen to me, I’ll be smarter!” Only to find that I fall into the same pits as the person who warned me, in the end hearing a resounding “I told you so!” (whether it’s verbal or not, it’s there!)

If you see yourself getting in too deep, get out, ASAP!

Seriously, whatever it is… cut up the credit cards, cut the cord to the internet, unplug the TV – whatever it takes for your situation, do something! Ultimately go to God first, but tell someone about it who can help you if that’s what it takes.

Listen to advice and accept instruction,
that you may gain wisdom in the future.

Proverbs 19:20 (ESV)

Fear-of-God is a school in skilled living—
first you learn humility, then you experience glory.

Proverbs 15:33 (MSG)

Humility comes before glory… we can’t even learn from His word unless we humble ourselves. This humility is not something we just learn, but it’s something we must practice continually! Until we’re rooted in humility, we can’t even be on our feet before God (James 4:10).

Get on your knees and let God school you, then you can stand and give Him praise!