The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. – Proverbs 1:7 (NIV)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. – Proverbs 1:7 (KJV)

Theme:  Living According to God’s Word

Proverbs is a book that shares God’s wisdom. King Solomon authored most of Proverbs, and our Bible tells us that God gave him great knowledge and wisdom.  After Solomon had honored God with a thousand offerings, God appeared to him and said “Ask for whatever you want me to give you” (see 2 Chronicles 1:7 & 1 Kings 3:5). Solomon didn’t ask for riches, for victory over his enemies, or other material things.  He asked for the wisdom to discern right from wrong and lead God’s people wisely (1 Kings 3:9).  As is so typical of our God, He granted Solomon’s request abundantly.  So much so, in fact, that Solomon “was wiser than all men” (1 Kings 4:31).

So…what did Solomon, who “was wiser than all men,” say about knowledge?  He said this:  “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…” In this context, the word “fear” implies reverence, respect, awe, and love for our Lord.  And that’s where the quest for real knowledge starts…with reverence for God. Trying to gain wisdom without reverence for our Lord is like trying to follow directions to a destination without knowing where to start. We just aren’t going to get where we want to go if we start from the wrong place. Unfortunately, there are many  “smart” people in our society who lack true wisdom.  It’s not that they lack intellectual capacity.  What they lack is reverence, respect, awe, and love for the God who created the very universe in which we live.  They didn’t start in the right place, so they’re not going to get to the right destination.

True wisdom starts with reverence and awe for our God.

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