The beginning of knowledge

The first six verses of Proverbs 1 reads like an eternal promissory note, an offering of a spectacular array of gifts and character attributes any man would covet- wisdom, understanding, instruction, knowledge discretion, guidance, and an increase in learning. Who wouldn’t want this? Give me two scoops. Then let me go back for more.

To know wisdom and instruction,    

to understand words of insight,

to receive instruction in wise dealing,    

in righteousness, justice, and equity

to give prudence to the simple,    

knowledge and discretion to the youth-

Let the wise hear and increase in learning,    

and the one who understands obtain guidance,

to understand a proverb and a saying,    

the words of the wise and their riddles.

But like all promissory notes, it’s predicated on a condition. And that condition is the decision point found in the next verse, Proverbs 1:7

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction”

Solomon is telling us, choosing Him is the headwaters to this river of gifts. There is no other access point. “To choose” is the first critical decision you make as you continue to move forward into the riches of not just Proverbs but the Kingdom of God.

If you’ve been around church long enough, you’re most likely familiar with the concept of “the fear of the Lord” and can probably articulate a pretty good definition. Don’t let the familiarity with the concept replace the critical importance of actually implementing this decision into your life. The difference between “knowing of the fear” and “choosing to fear” is significant. Have you made that proclamation?  

Exercise: Grab a bible app (and not AI)! I prefer Blueletterbible.com or download the app. Do a word search on the term “Fear of the Lord” and write down the volume of promises and provision provided. If obedience isn’t enough of a driver, the rich life the fear brings will prove to be.

There’s much can be said about the fear of the lord, but I’ll leave you with this thought from David regarding the matter.

From Psalm 25

Who is the man who fears the Lord?    

Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.

His soul shall abide in well-being,    

and his offspring shall inherit the land.

The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him,    

and he makes known to them his covenant.

My eyes are ever toward the Lord,    

for he will pluck my feet out of the net.

All men aspire to grow in wisdom, understanding, instruction etc. The question then is, whose wisdom, understanding, etc. will you seek? Who will you allow to have the first and final say in your life? Who will you allow to remake you and form you from the inner man out? A prayer worthy consideration if ever there was.

Whom shall you fear? Choose you this day and every day and moment after that. Choose to fear Him