The Beginning of Wisdom

 

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever. Psalm 111:10

The fear of the Lord is a greatly misunderstood concept. People read of fearing God and think that they are supposed to be afraid of him. And while the Bible does speak of a day when those men and women who oppose God will run in fear from him, that is not what the Hebrews meant by fearing God.

The Hebrew concept of fear included reverence and awe. It was healthy respect that led to humility. Jews so revered God that they would not even speak his name out loud. That is healthy fear.

Note that fearing God is connected to wisdom, or rather, the beginning of wisdom. In other words, all human learning and wisdom is futile if it is not set firmly in the awe of God. Without such appropriate fear, learning yields pride.

We have plenty of examples today of human wisdom that lacks the fear of God. Such “wisdom” exalts man and refuses to acknowledge God’s appropriate place in our lives…such human wisdom always leads to the decline of culture, never it’s advancement.

Today, you have the opportunity to seek the wisdom of God. You have the opportunity to have your mind broadened and expanded in all sorts of ways. Please know that such learning begins with an appropriate awe of God.

Humble yourself before the mighty hand of God. Acknowledge his power and authority in the heavens, on the earth and in your life, and then let him instruct you.

Father, give us a healthy respect for you. Teach us your ways. In Jesus’ name . . .

 

 

 

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