Basketball legend Michael Jordan once said, “I always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come.” He wasn’t wrong. MJ knew that if he wanted next-level results, he had to put in next-level work. Six NBA championships and five MVP awards later, it’s safe to say he proved his point. Jordan had confidence when the lights were on because he put in the hours when no one was watching.

That principle doesn’t just apply to sports—it’s true in the Kingdom of God. In Proverbs 2, Solomon makes it clear: if we want to understand the fear of the Lord, we must put in the work. Look at the verbs he uses: “call out… raise your voice… seek… search…” That’s effort. That’s pursuit. Solomon compares the fear of the Lord to hidden treasure. In other words, it’s rare, valuable, and worth digging for.

But treasure doesn’t surface by accident. Understanding the fear of the Lord isn’t passive—it’s intentional. It’s a daily decision to revere Him, to take Him at His Word, and to walk in both conviction and joy. The result? Wisdom (Prov. 1:7), along with “riches, honor, and life” (Prov. 22:4).

So today, put in the work. Call out to God. Lift your voice for understanding. Open His Word and dig for treasure. Trust Him to speak, guide, and shape you in the fear of the Lord. And just like finishing a tough workout, you’ll be glad you did.