	Bob Hostetler > Devotions

A Sure Foundation

by Bob Hostetler

Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him (Psalm 111:10, NLT).

It looks like a failed science fair experiment.

It took 199 years to build.

By the time the first three stories were completed, the structure had begun to pitch to one side. . . because the ground beneath it began to sink.

If the builders had carefully prepared and inspected the ground beneath the tower, they might have discovered that it consisted of unevenly compacted layers of mud, clay, and sandy soil. But they did not, and even after the tilt became obvious, a new generation of builders compounded the first mistake, and continued the project, adding to the height and weight of the slowly toppling tower.

Millions of dollars were spent the last few years to partially correct the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy. Otherwise it would someday have leaned so far out of line that its eight stories, 300 steps, and church bells would have toppled to the ground in a pile of rubble.

A masterpiece of architecture, threatened because of a faulty foundation.

The same thing happens every day. People go to school, devour books, pass exams, earn degrees, graduate with honors--yet, in spite of all their learning and knowledge, they often make poor--sometimes tragic--choices. And it's all because of a faulty foundation. They may have education. But they don't have wisdom. Because "reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him" (Psalm 111:10).

If you would be wise, revere God. True wisdom is like a magnificent bell tower, a structure of power, beauty and grace. And, like all sound structures, it begins with a sure foundation: reverence for God.

Pray: Lord, plant my feet on a firm foundation of reverence for you.

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