“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
(Proverbs 9:10)
In today’s passage of Proverbs, we are finishing the first section of Proverbs (chapters 1-9). It would be only fitting for us to revisit Proverbs 1:7, which is also Proverbs 9:10, the verse we are focusing on today. Even though Proverbs is a book that focuses on practical life, it is still founded on this very important principle: wisdom begins with a right relationship with God.
Do you have a fear of the Lord? I’m not talking about a cowering fear that leads you to be ineffective for God’s kingdom. Rather, are we filled with a fear of awe and reverence for the Lord? It is this type of fear that honors God for who He really is- as being holy, just and creator of all. When we have this type of fear it will draw us closer to God. When problems come our way, we will run to God, and not away from Him. When blessings and wonderful miracles happen in our lives, we will automatically praise God for His goodness and grace.
The second part of verse 10 reminds us to have a constant, growing relationship with God through reading His word, praying to Him, and yearning for more of Him in our daily living. When we seek out the Lord, we will gain understanding into His heart and it will transform how we live for Him and how we treat and love those around us. Will you give thanks to God every day for another day to live on earth, another opportunity to share the Gospel with someone, and another way to see God’s majesty and love displayed so that many more people will come to believe in Jesus?