Proverbs 9:10 (NASB) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
You want wisdom, God’s word is pretty clear in this proverb. It begins with fear. I think most people misunderstand what is meant in scripture when it references the “fear” of the Lord. I believe most think, “why would I be afraid of God? He loves me, He wouldn’t wish me harm.” I think most people imagine being frightened, running or hiding yourself from the awful. That couldn’t be farther from what scripture is talking about.
Fear of the Lord is an understanding that God is everything. He is beyond comprehension. All things exist because of Him and His will. He’s the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, He always was and He always will be. Our finite minds cannot even comprehend to a bagillioneth of a fraction of an iota Who God is. Think about that.
So, the “fear” that scripture talks about is a complete and utter realization that there is nothing, no one, that can even remotely compare. The “fear” is a total unwavering reverence to the infinite awesomeness of God.
That’s it. That’s the “fear”. He is everything, nothing compares. The “fear” is complete and utter humility and acceptance of that. The “fear” is knowing that we should be testing everything against His standard, because He is and nothing escapes His knowing. He’s everything, everywhere, all the time.
So, that’s where wisdom begins. It begins with the “fear” of knowing that He is everything and anything we are to accomplish or become begins with the “fear”. To know the Lord is to fear the Lord. With that fear wisdom takes root because through that understanding we see more clearly and understand more deeply.
Fear is a good thing. Hope that helps someone. Have a blessed weekend!
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy,
Scott Pace
