SCRIPTURE: Proverbs (NIV) 9: 10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
OBSERVATION: What an amazing nugget of truth is tucked away in this scripture. People often get their attention on the “fear of the Lord” which is emphasized numerous times in Proverbs. There is not a special word here translated “fear.” This word means simply, “fear” with the idea of being terrified. Jesus spoke of such wisdom when He said we should fear Him who has to the power to destroy our souls in hell. Some would want us to think of “fearing” God as some reverential awe that engulfs us. They say, we really do not need to be afraid. However, in applying my limited understanding of Greek and Hebrew (which is limited to the use of Strongs and Vines) I found that the word used in the phrase “fear God” every time I have looked has the concept of being terrified. The Holy Spirit showed me that fear is a form of worship and belongs to God alone.
That fear is not wisdom, only the beginning of wisdom. It will lead us to the wisdom found in the second half of this verse. This fear is the beginning, not the culmination of wisdom.
APPLICATION: It is wise to know about God, but the emphasis here is on knowing God. That personal, intimate knowledge of God fills our minds, our hearts, our lives with understanding. In relating to Him we discover, come to understand, the real purpose for our existence.
Consider these verses: Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. So we can increase in wisdom!
1Corinthians 1:30. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. We will always be lacking in wisdom if I do not consider Jesus! My wisdom will never be complete with seeing Jesus as the center of all knowledge and wisdom.
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, increase my wisdom as I better understand Jesus and His place in my life. Amen
Pastor Leon
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