"In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and his children will have refuge"
Solomon must teach people how to live in the fear of the Lord – that wonderful place within the boundaries of the Ten Commandments and emitting positive love to others. You are afraid of what God will do and what He has set up to come down on those who ignore His boundaries, and you are excited about sharing His love with others. You live your life in a desire to delight Him with your actions. This is a wonderful place to be, and it produces a refuge and shelter against the storms of life. God does like Job and builds a hedge around this person's family. Do you want to help your family succeed and be protected? Then live in the fear of the Lord.
strong confidence
The word strong is the Hebrew word oz which means strength or might. The word confidence is the Hebrew word mibtach which means confidence or secure or security. The fear of the Lord is an emotional, psychological, spiritual, and even physical place where one dwells under the protection and blessing of the Lord. It is “boundaried” by behavior and constantly moves in the direction of loving others. It is important to realize that impressing or reverencing the Lord is not about what you don't do, but what you do. Are you a blessing to those around you? Not some heroic act of self-sacrifice but instead a “regular” loving person who meets the needs of spouse, children, colleagues, friends, community?
his children
This idea repeats the promise said in Deuteronomy 7:9: Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments. God will extend a blessing on the family of those who choose to fear Him. Well beyond your years, the blessing of living a life of quiet reverence for God will extend to your children and grandchildren down a number of generations.
Choose to fear the Lord. It will bless a little child who is your descendant that you will never meet till heaven. It is worth the thousand times you have to say no to yourself to stay within the boundaries of the fear of the Lord.
Until tomorrow,
Gil Stieglitz