“The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning (the chief and choice part) of Wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight and understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10 AMPC
Grace Perspective:
Wisdom. What is wisdom, and how do we get it? Webster’s dictionary defines it as: “the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships; good sense.”[i] The keyword in this definition is “relationships.” How we relate to God depends on how well we know Him. Therefore, we need the proper perspective of God if we want true wisdom.
Getting to know the Lord and understanding who He is, is crucial for this life and the life to come. Fearing God begins with an understanding of His character. He is holy, pure, and without sin. (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8) He is just and rightly judges the motivations and intentions of every human heart. (Exodus 34:6-6; 1 Peter 1:17) He is sovereign, ruling His creation as He sees fit. (Genesis 14:19; Matthew 10:29) He is merciful, not giving us what we deserve, punishment for our sin, but mercy by saving us through Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty for our sin. (Romans 9:23-24; 1 Peter 1:3). He is gracious, showering us with undeserved gifts, like salvation through Jesus. (Psalm 145:17; Romans 5:15-20). He gave love beyond measure when He sent His only Son to die for our sins. (John 14:31; Romans 5:5-8)
These are just a few examples of God’s character. There is much more to Him that I encourage you to discover for yourself. Wisdom starts when we acknowledge who He is and who we are not and humbly seek to grow in our knowledge of Him.
A Touch of Grace:
Where do you turn for wisdom?
How can you grow in your knowledge of God?
Grace Application:
Fear is something we all struggle with but have you ever thought of it concerning being wise? God’s word tells us that the beginning of wisdom is fearing the Lord. Yet, in our relationship with God, we often make light of His holiness, justice, and sovereignty. Knowing the Lord is to be feared because He holds the power over life and death makes me tremble, yet if this were all I knew about Him, my perspective would not be complete.
This passage tells us the beginning of wisdom is to fear the Lord. The Hebrew word used here means terror as well as reverent. Terror because God is the One Who holds the power of life and death. Jesus tells us in Luke 12:5, “But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!” We should fear God, Who made us in His image and has the power to bring us to Heaven or cast us into Hell.
However, to gain a clearer understanding of Who He is, we need to take time to learn more about His other characteristics. I listed a few of His attributes earlier, but I encourage you to dig into the Word to gain a deeper understanding of Who He is. As we grow in the knowledge of the Lord, we gain a deeper understanding of this life and the life to come. Make sense to me; how about you? I challenge you today to seek the Lord, seek to know Him, and see if you don’t find gracious wisdom.
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I come to you in the precious name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, thankful that You are holy, just, sovereign, merciful, and gracious. Thank You for Your Word, which helps me to know You more deeply. Correct any wrong thinking I have about You and give me a deeper understanding of Who You are so that I will walk wisely before You. Amen.
[i] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wisdom