A Healthy Respect of Who God Is.

Proverbs 1:7 ESV
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

The Amplified Version says it like this:
“The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; But arrogant fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline.”

George R. Berry writes that “the fear of the Lord is not a philosophy or speculation. It has to include a religious element.” The fear spoken of in these verses are relating to respect. Respect of the Lord means His followers are being aware of what is right and wrong and making a conscious effort to avoid evil.

As believers, we want to obey and be pleasing in His sight. Knowledge is the pathway to wisdom. If we gain knowledge repetitively, over time it drops from our heads to our hearts and it all begins to make sense. Sense that we can pass on, that’s wisdom.

For the believer, having a deep, abiding sense of awe and care of who God is, is the begging to true understanding and desiring Him and His knowledge. His knowledge applied leads use back to a greater sense of awe towards God and what He means to us and gaining wisdom in the process.

Prayer:
Father, the closer I get to knowing You, the greater awe, inspiring moments I have in Your presence. You truly amaze me with Your love, care, and mercy that You give me.