Proverbs 14:27 (NKJV) The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death. Proverbs 14:27 (NIV) The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death. Proverbs 14:27 (NLT) Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death. WORD STUDY Fear is a quality associated in the Old Testament with three characteristics: awe, high regard, and deep respect, all of which inspire the follower to drink deeply from the Source of life. [Disciple SB] Revelation through wisdom literature seeks to lead people to give utmost respect to God. [Disciple SB] Fountain. Refreshing, continuous source; see 13:14. [Andrews SB] The life based upon the proper attitude to and revelation from God is like a fresh spring with its life-giving qualities. [Disciple SB] COMMENTARY PEARL Fountain Of Life Juan Ponce de Leon, the Spanish explorer who traveled at one time with Christopher Columbus, went in search of a magic water source that people called the Fountain of Youth. Instead, he found Florida - what became America's retirement haven. The world's idea of a fountain of youth is a mirage. Only the Bible provides an oasis for the soul. If the "fear of the LORD is a fountain of life," we must first understand what "fear of the LORD" means. It is contrary to being afraid of Him. This is a reminder to be in reverential awe of God, to love Him with our whole being and commit ourselves joyfully to Him in all things. Jesus sums it all up in the closing book of the Bible: "I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts" (Revelation 21:6-7). The fountain of life is real, friends. We can draw strength from its resources and stand strong in our resolve to be overcomers, looking forward to the inheritance and being in the presence of the Savior of our souls. Are you thirsty today for God's love? [Peace for Each Day by Billy Graham] COMMENTARY The natural man is spiritually dead, separated from God. He has neither the presence of God in His life nor the knowledge of God's ways. He has learned to live his life independently of God. Essentially, this is what constitutes the "flesh." His mind has been conformed to this world. The brain, which is physical and part of the body, functions like a computer. The mind is the programmer. The body picks up data from the world through its five senses. The mind chooses and interprets the data, and the brain stores it. The emotions are essentially a product of how the mind chooses to think and interpret life's events. When we are born again, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our life. Because we are now spiritually alive and united with Christ, we have the mind of Christ. We have become a partaker of the divine nature. However, nobody pushed the clear button in the computer. The brain is still programmed to live independently of God.... The battle is for the mind: "For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another" (Galatians 5:17). God has given us the responsibility to choose. The carnal Christian chooses to walk according to the flesh. What governs his behavior are the old habit patterns and thoughts that were programmed over time. The spiritually defeated Christian fails to put on the armor of God, and ends up paying attention to deceiving spirits. The spiritual man has crucified the flesh and put on the armor of God; he chooses to think upon that which is true. We are to be renewed in the spirit of our minds (Ephesians 4:23). The Holy Spirit discloses the mind of Christ. We must choose to no longer be conformed to His world. We are to be diligent to present ourselves approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). When we do, we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. We choose to think the truth, and the Holy Spirit enables our thoughts and renews our minds with the logos. Then the peace of God guards our hearts and minds. We let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts by letting the word of Christ richly dwell in us (Colossians 3:15, 16). We are now equipped to discern. (From Walking in the Light by Neil Anderson) [Inspirational SB] LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY Proverbs 8:13 - To Fear God And Hate Evil. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2014/20140316-1625.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/