The Foundation of Wisdom

7) Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt. 8) So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you. 9) Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.  10) Fear of the Lord is the foundation (beginning) of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.  11) Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. 12) If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer. Prov. 9: 7-12 (NLT)
 
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Initially, the connection between these two concepts may be difficult to grasp: How can fearing God make us wise?


First, we need to understand what it means to fear the Lord. This term is used to describe an awesome reverence for God that moves us to acknowledge Him as the sovereign ruler of heaven and earth, submit to His will, and walk in obedience. The result of such a response will be the acquisition of wisdom.

Those who commit themselves to living for God’s purposes rather than their own will gain greater understanding of Him. The Holy Spirit will enable them to see circumstances and people from His divine perspective. This kind of wisdom reaches beyond human perception and gives us discernment to make decisions that fit into the Lord’s plans for our lives. Knowing that He always works for our best interests, we are empowered to walk confidently through both good and bad times.

But those who reject God’s instructions dishonor Him with their refusal to acknowledge His right to rule their lives. It’s foolish to rebel against His authority and think you can ever win. Those who won’t fear God will never know real wisdom.

What is your attitude toward the Lord? If you truly reverence Him, you will listen for His directions and heed His warnings. A desire to honor and please Him will motivate you to turn from evil and seek to live in obedience. And the result will be wisdom beyond human understanding.
 
{Pastor Charles Stanley}
 
Be Blessed!
 
Dawn