The Beginning of Wisdom: The Fear of the Lord

The Beginning of Wisdom: The Fear of the Lord

Main Texts: Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10; Proverbs 2:1–6; Ecclesiastes 12:13

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

Introduction

One of the greatest problems in modern society is not a lack of information. We have more information available to us than any previous generation.

A person can ask a question today and receive thousands of answers within seconds. We can watch sermons, read books, listen to podcasts, attend conferences, search the internet, and access the opinions of experts from around the world.

Yet information does not automatically produce wisdom.

A person can be highly educated and still make foolish decisions.

A person can know many Bible verses and still refuse to obey God.

A person can understand business but destroy his family.

A person can understand relationships but repeatedly choose destructive friendships.

A person can know what is morally right but deliberately choose what is wrong.

This is why Proverbs begins its teaching about wisdom with a foundational truth:

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.”

Before Proverbs teaches us how to manage money, friendships, relationships, speech, work, anger, correction, and decision-making, it establishes the foundation: our relationship with God.

True wisdom begins when God is given His rightful place.

1. Wisdom Begins With Recognizing God

The fear of the Lord does not mean living in constant terror of God.

Biblical fear includes reverence, awe, submission, honor, and recognition of God’s authority.

To fear God is to understand:

God is God, and I am not.

He is the Creator; I am His creation.

He knows what I do not know.

He sees what I cannot see.

He understands consequences that I may not recognize.

His wisdom is greater than mine.

Proverbs 3:7 says:

“Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”

One of the greatest enemies of wisdom is believing that we already know enough.

Pride says, “I know what I am doing.”

Wisdom says, “Lord, teach me.”

Pride says, “I don’t need advice.”

Wisdom says, “Let me listen.”

Pride says, “My feelings are enough.”

Wisdom says, “What does God’s Word say?”

2. Wisdom Begins With Humility

Proverbs repeatedly connects wisdom with humility.

Proverbs 11:2 says:

“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.”

A humble person recognizes that he can be wrong.

That recognition is powerful.

There are people who cannot receive correction because they have convinced themselves that admitting a mistake makes them weak.

But Scripture teaches the opposite.

Proverbs 12:15 says:

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”

Wisdom is willing to listen.

Wisdom asks questions.

Wisdom examines itself.

Wisdom accepts correction.

Wisdom does not automatically assume that everyone else is wrong.

3. Wisdom Must Be Sought

Proverbs 2:3–6 presents wisdom as something we must actively pursue.

We are told to cry for knowledge, lift up our voices for understanding, seek wisdom as silver, and search for it as hidden treasure.

This means wisdom does not normally come through spiritual laziness.

You cannot spend all your time listening to worldly voices and expect your mind to naturally think biblically.

You must deliberately pursue God’s wisdom.

Study Scripture.

Pray.

Listen to godly counsel.

Examine your decisions.

Learn from experience.

Accept correction.

Observe the consequences of choices.

Ask God for wisdom.

James 1:5 says:

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.”

What a beautiful promise.

God does not condemn us for admitting that we need wisdom.

He invites us to ask.

4. Solomon: A Man Who Asked for Wisdom

One of the clearest biblical examples is Solomon.

When Solomon became king, God appeared to him and offered him an opportunity to ask for what he wanted.

Solomon could have asked for riches.

He could have asked for long life.

He could have asked for victory over his enemies.

Instead, he asked for an understanding heart so that he could govern God’s people properly.

God was pleased with his request.

Solomon’s prayer demonstrates something important:

Wisdom is more valuable than possessions because wisdom helps us use possessions correctly.

Money without wisdom can destroy a person.

Influence without wisdom can become dangerous.

Leadership without wisdom can hurt people.

Knowledge without wisdom can produce pride.

But wisdom teaches us how to use what God has placed in our hands.

5. Wisdom Must Become a Lifestyle

Biblical wisdom is not something we discuss only in church.

It affects Monday morning.

It affects how we respond when someone insults us.

It affects what we watch.

It affects how we spend money.

It affects how we speak to our spouse.

It affects how we treat coworkers.

It affects the friendships we maintain.

It affects our online behavior.

It affects how we handle temptation.

It affects our response to correction.

It affects our decisions when nobody is watching.

Wisdom is not merely information stored in the mind.

Wisdom is truth practiced in life.

Biblical Illustration: Solomon

Solomon began his reign with a profound desire for wisdom.

But later in life, he made serious decisions that revealed the danger of knowing wisdom without consistently walking in it.

This teaches us that receiving wisdom is not the same as continually walking in wisdom.

A believer must continue choosing obedience.

We cannot say, “I have known the Lord for twenty years, therefore I cannot fall.”

Every generation must walk with God personally.

Every season requires fresh dependence on Him.

Practical Application

Ask yourself:

• Do I seek God’s wisdom before making important decisions?
• Am I willing to receive correction?
• Do I assume I am always right?
• Who influences my thinking?
• Am I more influenced by Scripture or by culture?
• Do I pray for wisdom?
• Do I obey what God has already shown me?

Reflection

Lord, help me not to become wise in my own eyes. Teach me to fear You, honor Your Word, receive correction, and seek Your wisdom every day.

The wise person is not the person who knows everything. The wise person knows where to go when he does not know what to do.

Shalom!