"Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded." Proverbs 13:13
The key words in this verse are “despise” and “fear”. To despise something is to make light of it, or to give it little weight in your thoughts. To despise would be closely related to dismissing something. Whoever dismisses or gives God’s word little influence in their lives, shall be destroyed. This destruction could come in many different forms. Reputations are destroyed, relationships, trust, credibility, and many areas of life, including life itself.
But, the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded. To fear something means that it has weight in your decision making process; you take it seriously. You do not dismiss or make light of something you fear. God says, if you will treat my Word as if it is true, you will be rewarded. These rewards come in many different forms as well. Reputations are established, relationships are strengthened, and lives are blessed. What has been your attitude toward God’s Word today?