27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,     turning a person from the snares of death.28 A large population is a king’s glory,     but without subjects a prince is ruined.29 Whoever is patient has great understanding,     but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.30 A heart at peace gives life to the body,     but envy rots the bones.31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker,     but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,     but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.REFLECTIONSWritten by Jess AndersonDo you remember the first step to wisdom, back in chapter 1? It’s the fear of the Lord – humble, worshipful submission to God (1:7). Now the fear of the Lord is described as a fountain of life (verse 27). It’s refreshing, beautiful, life-giving. And more than that, it turns us away from the snares of death – from traps that can destroy us. Would you rather choose the fountain of life or the snares of death? It seems pretty obvious when you put it like that. But in our daily life it’s often not so simple. All kinds of things distract, tempt and discourage us. So let’s keep reminding ourselves and each other of the goodness and beauty of the fountain of life – the fear of the Lord.We see some of that beauty in verses 29-31. God’s way is better for us! Instead of being quick-tempered, we can be patient people with great understanding. Instead of being envious, we can be at peace. Instead of oppressing the poor (which can include those who make the things we buy), we can honour the God who made all of us. That’s a beautiful way of life. Is anything getting in the way of that for you? How are you going at avoiding the traps of a quick temper, envy and oppressing the poor? Ask God to show you how you could grow in these areas and to help you do it.The last of our proverbs for today shows another reason why living God’s way is so good. The wicked might seem like they’re going great, but they will eventually be brought down. But we have a refuge with God that lasts even beyond death. And this is even more clear through Jesus. It reminds me of a song we sing at church, called “I Have a Shelter”, by Sovereign Grace Music. You might like to listen to it now (here’s a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvddcxRzZb4) or just reflect on the words of the first verse below. Thank God for the refuge we have in him through Jesus!I have a shelter in the storm When troubles pour upon me Though fears are rising like a flood My soul can rest securely O Jesus, I will hide in You My place of peace and solace No trial is deeper than Your love That comforts all my sorrowsABOUT THE AUTHORJess is a Student Minister at our Bossley Park Morning Church while studying at Moore Theological College.