88 of 365 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom

The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel… Proverbs 1:1
 
As promised and provided by God, Solomon becomes the wisest person in the world. People come from near and far to hear his words.
 
Solomon is one of the principal authors of the book of Proverbs in our Bible. It is largely a compilation of short instructions for godly living here on earth. Where knowledge is a collection of facts, wisdom is a glimpse into God’s view of people, events, and situations to rightly use knowledge. We can amass much knowledge but still lack wisdom.
 
Early in Proverbs, Solomon provides a truth that is foundational to knowledge and wisdom, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7).
 
While this word fear means what initially comes to mind in a terror sense because God is sovereign, all-powerful, and holy, it also means respect, reverence, awe. This right view of God, in all His majesty and power to create and destroy, is the beginning of wisdom…and fools despise it. It rubs against our human ego and pride. But a wise person, with humility, acknowledges God knows everything, sees everything, controls everything…and we do not. He is worthy of our love and submission.
 
Solomon also teaches us to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
 
In having the fear of the Lord – the right view of Him – we can fully trust His ways and His plans. The world tells us to go with our gut, do what feels right, lean on our own understanding. But Solomon tells us to do the opposite…to NOT lean on our own understanding, but instead to trust God and acknowledge Him. The Creator of everything, who holds everything in His hands and rules over everything, should be the guide and director of our lives. Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart. HE WILL make straight your paths.
 
Challenge: There are 31 chapters in Proverbs full of wisdom. Consider deciding to read one chapter a day for a month.