MM Addendum 1-5

We live amidst massive inequality – we don’t really care that most people have little power to alter the conditions of their lives – we refuse to acknowledge that the earth is dying and that we are killing it – we play games with the most horrible weapons imaginable and actually seem to take pride in our ability to end life as we know it – our unthinking celebration of individual achievement and upward mobility works to damage the life-giving ties of kinship and the bonds of community –  we, as nations, accept the systematic subordination of human beings – we pretend not to understand the linkages between our comfortable standard of living and the results engendered – the visual splendor of society outshines the oppression that makes it possible.

Psalms 111:10 The fear (respect, reverence) of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all  they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of  wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. Proverbs 1:7 The  fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 22:4 By humility  and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.

Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do  I hate. Proverbs 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. Job  28:28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.