Proverbs 9:10 (KJV)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
The fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom and a fundamental aspect of life. In this context, ‘fear’ does not imply being afraid; rather, it embodies a deep respect and reverence for God and His Word. This means we must hold a profound honor and respect for God. Without this reverence of God, we cannot claim to possess true wisdom. The greatest wisdom is to rely on God, put Him first, and handle problems with the wisdom given by Him. To truly understand and engage with the divine, we must prioritize our spiritual pursuits above all else. We demonstrate true wisdom when we actively worship, praise, and fully dedicate ourselves to God. Taking deliberate time to express gratitude and honor Him strengthens this essential connection. Our knowledge of God is fundamentally linked to a deep reverence for Him; we unlock divine truths through this fear. The principle that “the secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him” is a powerful testament to the revelation of His covenant. Embracing the fear of God not only ensures a life of peace in this world but also secures our place in eternity in Heaven.
The fear of God is acknowledging His greatness and letting that reverence guide our actions and decisions. It is not enough to have a purpose for living, but much more; having the right purpose for it makes fulfillment. The right purpose is to fear, love, walk with God, and serve Him because God only guides those who obey and serve Him faithfully. It doesn’t matter how much fame or possession we may have; the Bible considers us foolish until the fear of God abides in our hearts. And where the fear of the Lord is lacking, access to wisdom is never guaranteed. It is written in Ecclesiastes 8:1, “How wonderful to be wise, to understand things, to be able to analyze them and interpret them. Wisdom lights up a man’s face, softening its hardness.” The connection between wisdom and prominence is unmistakable. To pursue wisdom is to ascend to stardom; embodying wisdom is equal to success, and with success comes the ability to shine. The divine wisdom of God is the driving force behind the emergence of influential figures in His kingdom. Throughout the Bible, we find numerous individuals who had a profound relationship with God, leading to remarkable lives and significant impacts on their societies through their application of wisdom. Consider Joseph, whose reverence for God and sharp wisdom propelled him to a position of power in Egypt. Likewise, Daniel’s unwavering dedication to God and his sound judgment established him as a leading figure in Babylon. Without the fear of the Lord, we make final decisions founded on our faulty human understanding. But when we integrate the fear of the Lord into every moment of our lives, we make decisions based on His approval.
Beloved, if you desire to access wisdom from God, then the fear of the Lord gives you access. Make up your mind to go deeper with God because the deeper you get to God, the more wisdom you acquire and the more outstanding your life becomes. Make reading, studying the Word, and praying a priority in life. As you continue to put God first in all you do, you will increase in wisdom and discernment, moving forward into the life of blessing He has in store for you. Choose wisdom today by honoring God, the Maker of Heaven and Earth, the Alpha and the Omega. Put Him first in your heart, mind, emotions, actions, and all you do. Today, seek godly wisdom and don’t be disorderly in the name of grace because grace does not indulge in anarchy. Recognize God for who He is, for those who fear the Lord have a continual understanding of Him, a deep reverence for Him, and a sincere commitment to obey Him. Remember, God is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
O Lord, help me to cultivate a deep reverence for You and to seek Your guidance in all areas of my life in Jesus’ Name.