Proverbs 9:10 is quite well known. It appears in different places and in slightly different forms in the Bible: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”

First, what does it mean to “fear” the Lord?

As Billy Graham once wrote, fearing the Lord isn’t about dread. It has to do with standing before him with “reverential awe.” I think that’s helpful. It is to so honour him, that you can’t help but fall at his feet as you marvel at his goodness, glory and power.

Second, it’s important to note that this posture before God is “the beginning of wisdom.” If we don’t start with God we won’t be wise and we certainly won’t end up in the right place.

To build a bridge, an engineer needs to know certain mathematical formulas and how certain pressures and forces work. They need to know about various materials, soils and weights. (I’m not an engineer so I looked it up!) If a bridge is not built correctly it may look nice for a little while, but it won’t last and someone will get hurt.

Similarly, if we try to gain in wisdom but aren’t rooted in God, we’re deceiving ourselves.

W Somerset Maugham said, “If fifty million people say something foolish, it is still foolish.” How true! But how are we to know if something is foolish or not? 

The word of God.

Wisdom is good. Not only does it improve our own lives, but it helps us be a blessing to the people around us.

Learn. Grow. Bless.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”

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Notes:

—Please note that after July 31, The Up Devotional is going on pause for four weeks (while I enjoy some vacation time) but will resume on August 29, 2023. You can listen to past devotionals as a podcast wherever you subscribe, or you can read them at TheUpDevo.com. 

–“Memorable is Portable: The Most Famous Proverbs, Part 1.” Sermon. July 23, 2023. Click here.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.