Wisdom Begins With Fear

Profound respect and awe for God’s power and being is the starting place for wisdom. Being in tune with the Creator of the universe, respecting his awesome power, and realizing that he is at work in the world today, gives a foundation for gaining wisdom. First we need to know and respect the source of wisdom, so that we may know and seek wisdom. God’s wisdom, power, and majesty are revealed in the Bible, so if we want to know and respect God, and if we want wisdom, we should begin our search there, in the pages of Holy Scripture.

Information is not wisdom. The facts we learn from scripture will not give us wisdom. But the facts we learn about God will let us develop faith in him and respect for his power. God is able to destroy the wicked and bless the righteous. We should respect that power. As the Psalm says, “Praise the LORD. I will extol the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly.”

“Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate. He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.”

“He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations. The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are steadfast for ever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness. He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever--holy and awesome is his name.”

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.” (Ps 111, NIV)

The prophet Isaiah reminds us that fear of God is the key to the treasure of wisdom, “The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness. He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.” (Isa 33:5-6, NIV)

Jesus reminded his followers that people who can kill the body are not to be feared, but he who can send the soul to hell should be feared, Luke 12:4-5. Respect for the power of God, and understanding the true facts revealed in the Bible, give us a place to work from in growing in wisdom.

Many have failed to understand the power of God, and have missed the fundamental ingredient for godly wisdom. Many who claim worldly wisdom have laughed at the idea of God. Because they rejected God, and failed to recognize his power and truth, they have submerged themselves in such hateful causes as the right to kill innocent unborn babies, and the promotion of all kinds of destructive sexual practices.

Those who do not respect God are not wise. They may have big educational degrees, and work for institutions that are powerful, but in the end their work will fail, because it is based on the wisdom of men, fixated on temporary things. Present gratification that disregards future results leads to disaster. Disregard of the operations manual (Bible) given by our creator leads to chronic failure.

God knows what we are thinking. That should strike fear in the hearts of those who think they are hiding their misdeeds. Acts chapter five tells the story of a husband and wife who thought they could deceive God. They did not respect his power. They fell down dead, and fear came upon the church. Renewed respect for the power of God brought growth and favor to his people. Truly the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Those who respect and trust the power of God gain wisdom.