Amen. You have quoted one of the most foundational and recurring principles in all of Scripture. The phrase "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" is the bedrock of a right relationship with God and a right understanding of life.
This truth is stated powerfully in the Book of Proverbs:
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." - Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV)
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." - Proverbs 9:10 (NKJV)
What Does It Mean to "Fear God"?
This "fear" is not a cowering, terrified dread of a malicious tyrant. Instead, it is a profound combination of awe, reverence, and holy respect. It is:
1. Acknowledging Who God Is: It is recognizing His absolute holiness, His unlimited power, His supreme authority, and His righteous judgment. It is understanding that He is the Creator, and we are the creation.
2. A Response of Worship and Obedience: This fear is not meant to drive us away from God, but to drive us to Him in faithful surrender. It is the appropriate response of a creature to their glorious Creator. It means taking Him seriously—His love, His commands, and His warnings.
3. The Ultimate Reality Check: To fear God is to live in the truth that we are accountable to Him. It is the antidote to the fear of man, the love of sin, and human pride.
Why is it the "Beginning" of Wisdom?
The word "beginning" (Hebrew: re'shiyth) doesn't just mean the first step you take and then move beyond. It means the foundation, the source, the controlling principle.
· It's the Foundation: All true wisdom is built upon this right understanding of God. Without it, any "wisdom" is ultimately flawed because it leaves out the most important factor in the universe: God Himself.
· It's the Lens: The fear of the Lord is the lens through which all other knowledge and decision-making must be viewed. It answers the "why" behind the "what."
· It's the Source: All genuine insight, discernment, and understanding flow from this starting point. You cannot have true wisdom that ignores the Author of wisdom.
As Proverbs 9:10 says, knowing God (in this fearful, reverent way) is understanding. It redefines everything.
A Poem: "The Beginning of Wisdom"
"The Beginning of Wisdom"
Before the clever thought is thunk, Before the highest IQ is sunk, Before the degrees on the wall, Before you strive to have it all—
There is a starting point, a place, A foundation of wisdom,truth, and grace. It is not found in books of men, But in the fear of God.Amen.
It is to see His holy fire, And feel a reverent,deep desire. To stand in awe,to know your place, Before the Author of all grace.
It is to tremble at His Word, And know His voice must must be heard. It is to trust and to obey, And walk with Him upon His way.
This holy fear, it is the key, That sets the seeking heart and mind free. It is the door,the very start, To gain a wise and understanding heart.
For fools despise this holy way, They live for just the here and now. But those who fear the Lord above, Are grounded in His truth and love.
So let this be your chief design, To fear the Lord,His will align. For in this fear,you will be wise, And see the world through heaven's eyes.
The fear of God—the start, the source, To guide your every thought and course. The beginning of the wise man's way, Will lead to life that does not sway.
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A Prayer for a Wise Heart
Holy and Almighty God,
I stand in awe of You. You are majestic in power, perfect in holiness, and righteous in all Your ways. Forgive me for the times I have taken You lightly, trusted my own understanding, or feared the opinions of others more than I feared You.
I ask today for the gift of a reverent heart. I acknowledge that true wisdom starts with knowing who You are. Be the foundation of all my knowledge, the lens for all my decisions, and the source of all my understanding.
Guide me into a life that honors You, obeys Your Word, and reflects a true and holy fear of Your name.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
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