Living in Relation to YHWH [Family Worship lesson in Proverbs 20:20–28]

How does YHWH emphasize to us that all of life is lived in relationship to Him? Proverbs 20:20–28 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, in relating to parents, kings, and even ourselves, we discover that all of life is a relating to YHWH. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript of the audio: The devotional culls us to live wisely by cultivating a reverent, trusting relationship with YHWH in every sphere of life—toward parents, oneself, and earthly authorities. Proverbs 20:20–28 emphasizes that honoring parents reflects our ultimate duty to God, Whom they represent to their children, while reckless pursuit of personal gain or vengeance reveals a failure to trust Him. The passage warns against self-reliance, highlighting that human understanding is limited and that dishonesty—whether in business or in thought—is abominable to the Lord, Who sees the depths of the heart. It further calls for a godly fear of earthly rulers as reflections of God’s sovereign authority, urging believers to honor them not for their perfection but as stewards under the King of Kings, Whose mercy and truth are of the essence of His governance. Ultimately, the fear of the Lord is presented as the foundation of wisdom, expressed in how we relate to others and ourselves with humility, integrity, and covenant faithfulness.