Above All, Fear

“To know wisdom and instruction,
    to understand words of insight,
to receive instruction in wise dealing,
    in righteousness, justice, and equity;
to give prudence..,
    knowledge and discretion..—
Let the wise hear and increase in learning,
    and the one who understands obtain guidance…
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…

“Wisdom cries aloud in the street,
    in the markets she raises her voice..:
‘How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing
    and fools hate knowledge?
If you turn at my reproof,
behold, I will pour out my spirit to you;
    I will make my words known to you…
Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;
    they will seek me diligently but will not find me.
Because they hated knowledge
    and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
would have none of my counsel
    and despised all my reproof,
therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way,
    and have their fill of their own devices.’

“My son, if you receive my words
    and treasure up my commandments with you,
making your ear attentive to wisdom
    and inclining your heart to understanding;
yes, if you call out for insight
    and raise your voice for understanding,
if you seek it like silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasures,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 1:2-5,7,20,22-23,28-31; 2:1-6

The call to wisdom is clear, and its benefits many. Instruction, insight, and learning give prudence for relationships, business dealings, and temptation. To search out knowledge is commended, but its increase must not stand alone. The vital underlying motive, impetus, and result of the command to increase understanding are all to fear the Lord. From this flows, and in this lies, true wisdom. Without fear of God, knowledge is untethered and its application lacks the power the Spirit of God infuses when we fear Him first.

Information is ubiquitous. We are constantly bombarded with a myriad of topics and experts from every direction, and daily must choose source and strategy. Gaining knowledge without the higher goal of knowing and fearing God will leave us hefty of head but empty in soul.

Above all, what do I prize? Do I maintain a high view of God by deliberate worship of Him? How can exploring His world, honing discernment, and discovering the truth about things increase my reverence for the Lord? What am I doing to search out and apply knowledge in the fear of God? (Job 28:20-28)

“The fear of the Lord our days will prolong,
In trouble afford a confidence strong,
Will keep us from sinning, will prosper our ways,
And is the beginning of wisdom and grace.

The fear of the Lord preserves us from death,
Enforces his word, enlivens our faith,
They only that fear him the truth can discern,
For, living so near him, his secrets they learn.

The fear of the Lord forbids us to yield;
It sharpens our sword and strengthens our shield.
Then cry we to heaven, with one loud accord,
That to us be given the fear of the Lord.” ~J. Hart (1762)

Worthy Father, help me diligently increase in wisdom and insight while fearing You, and so apply them to the blessing of Your kingdom and praise of Your glory.