Psalms 34:11

Psalms 34:11

“Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.” This verse frames instruction as an offering from an elder voice to the younger generation. The invitation is direct and relational: engage with the teacher, listen carefully, and learn how to honor God. In the cultural context, parental and priestly instruction was central to transmitting wisdom about how to live before God. The content—“the fear of the LORD”—is not mere terror but reverent awe, trust, obedience, and love for God. The verse sets the stage for practical living: the following lines in the Psalm describe the blessings and actions that flow from a life lived in God’s reverence.

Theologically, this verse highlights wisdom as a divine-human collaboration. God uses teachers and elders to pass on the fear of the LORD, a virtue that organizes the heart toward God in all areas of life. The “fear of the LORD” is a foundational motif that recurs across Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, shaping decisions, ethics, and worship. It underscores that knowing God is not only an individual pursuit but a communal endeavor, handed down through generations.

As modern readers, we can implement this by seeking mentors and faith-formation communities that teach the fear of the LORD through everyday practices: prayer, study, and service. If you’re a parent or mentor, dedicate time to teach younger people about God’s character with concrete examples—how to respond to conflict, how to forgive, how to be honest at work. If you’re young or new to faith, learn from wise voices and elders, and practice obedience in small choices: honest work, kindness, generosity. The verse invites us to be teachable, recognizing that wisdom comes from God through community and guidance.

Cross-References: Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 112:1; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 2 Timothy 3:14-17