What Is The Proof That You Love Your Own Soul?

The Book of Proverbs makes this startling statement about how hating our soul:

“[He] who sins against me [wisdom] wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me [wisdom] love death.”

(Proverbs 8:36)

I don’t think I ever considered rejecting God’s wisdom as a sin against my own soul. I certainly never considered it as loving death!  But if you read the prelude to the above statement, you can see God wooing us to immerse ourselves in the benefits of wisdom:

Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice? Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things; for my mouth will speak truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; nothing crooked or perverse is in them. 

Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; for wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. 

The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. 

Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength. 

Riches and honor are with me, enduring riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, and my revenue than choice silver. 

I traverse the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice, that I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries. 

Now therefore, listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 

For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord; but he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; All those who hate me love death.

Proverbs‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬, ‭6‬-‭8‬, ‭10‬-‭11‬, ‭13‬-‭14‬, ‭18‬-‭21‬, ‭32‬-‭36

‭‭God’s Word makes it clear that the “fear of the Lord” is the beginning of wisdom; and it is only the fool who will reject the ways of God. (Psalms 14:1; 53:1) To live in the “fear” of the Lord, is to live with such a burning desire for God that the only fear we have is to NOT be able to sense His presence. 

Being born again is the first step into a life which is alive with God’s presence. Thereafter, we must seek to draw close to Him. God desires us so much that He sacrificed everything. To love Him, is to obey His wise ways. His Word is wisdom.  God has so much goodness to bless us with—things that are not attainable through any way except by Him. 

Living in God’s presence brings love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, wisdom and sweet satisfaction to our soul!

We would love to hear your thoughts about this devotional. Did God speak to you or challenge your daily walk with him? Or is there a topic that you would like Kimberly to cover or expound on? Please share with us in the comments below.

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