Fear and Wisdom

 

Proverbs 1:7 ESV “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”. 

Knowledge and wisdom are often understood as words with different meanings, but in this verse, they speak of the same thing; understanding of our place and role in creation under our loving God.

At the same time, there is a difference between the earthly and the biblical pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. While the world often upholds knowledge and wisdom as a means for one to wield power over another, we understand that fear and submission to the Lord is foundational to the attainment of real understanding. Proverbs 9:10 states “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”.

In your pursuit of wisdom and knowledge, have you remembered to first fear the Lord and understand our role in creation under him? Or are you the fool, looking for knowledge for the sake of power and ignoring the Lord’s commands.