How does Psalm 107:11 connect with Proverbs 1:7 on fearing the Lord? Introduction Psalm 107 paints vivid word pictures of real people rescued by the LORD. Verse 11 explains why some of them landed in bondage: “because they rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High”. Proverbs 1:7 gives the opposite starting point: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline”. Let’s see how these two verses dovetail. Psalm 107:11—The fruit of no fear • Rebellion: “rebelled against the words of God.” – They consciously pushed back against commands that are both true and good (Deuteronomy 6:24). • Contempt: “despised the counsel of the Most High.” – Despising counsel is an attitude of the heart, not mere misunderstanding (Isaiah 30:1). • Result: verses 10–12 describe darkness, affliction, and chains—literal consequences showing that sin enslaves (John 8:34). Proverbs 1:7—The foundation of fear • “Fear of the LORD” – Reverent awe that leads to submission and love (Psalm 111:10; Ecclesiastes 12:13). • “Beginning of knowledge” – The very first step toward any true understanding is humble respect for God’s authority. • “Fools despise wisdom and discipline” – Identical heart posture to Psalm 107:11; rejecting God’s voice marks a person as a fool (Proverbs 10:8). Tracing the connection 1. Same heart issue • Psalm 107:11 shows rebellion and contempt; Proverbs 1:7 calls the same stance “foolish.” 2. Same object of rejection • “words of God…counsel of the Most High” (Psalm) = “wisdom and discipline” (Proverbs). • Both are divine instruction meant to protect and bless (Psalm 19:7-11). 3. Same root cause • A lack of godly fear sets the stage for despising truth. • Where fear of the LORD is present, rebellion loses its grip (Proverbs 8:13). 4. Same remedy • Psalm 107:13: “Then they cried out to the LORD in their distress, and He saved them.” • Turning back in humble fear restores light and freedom (Psalm 34:9; James 4:10). Walking out this truth today • Cultivate fear through the Word—daily reading lets His voice remain loud (Joshua 1:8). • Welcome correction—wise people treasure it (Proverbs 9:8-9). • Remember consequences—chains of sin are real (Galatians 6:7-8). • Celebrate mercy—God still “breaks down bronze gates and cuts through iron bars” (Psalm 107:16). Key takeaways • Fear of the LORD is the safeguard that keeps us from the rebellion depicted in Psalm 107:11. • Despising God’s counsel is not merely intellectual; it is moral folly that invites bondage. • The same God who warns also rescues when we return in reverent awe. |
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