Wisdom

ByMarjie

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth forever.”

Psalm 111:10 KJV

Everyone likes to be thought of as wise; to have wisdom in life, in career choices, in family planning, in rearing their children, in guiding their teens, in decision making throughout their lifetime. Wisdom begins with a fear of the Lord, and understanding is obtained only through wisdom. But what exactly does it mean to fear the Lord?

  • Does it mean to tremble in fear like we would a bully who might corner us in a back alley? No!
  • Does it mean to timidly submit like we would a criminal pointing a gun at us? No!
  • Does it mean that God might squash us like a bug if we disobey? No!

To fear the Lord means to recognize Him for Who He is.

  • The Almighty Creator of all things – He even created us. (Nehemiah 9:6)
  • The Savior of the world – He came to save us. (John 10:30; I John 3:16; I John 4:14)
  • Omniscient – all knowing (I John 3:20; John 16:30)
  • Omnipotent – all powerful (Luke 1:37; Psalm 115:3)
  • Omnipresent – everywhere at the same time (Proverbs 15:3; Jeremiah 23:24; Acts 17:27)
  • Sovereign – supreme ruler – That places us under His authority. (Psalm 29:10; Psalm 83:18; Psalm 93:1)
  • Infinite – unlimited (Psalm 147:5) We’re finite beings, bound by time and space and our mortal limitations.
  • Full of mercy and loving kindness – Ephesians 4:32; 5:2)
  • The righteous Judge (Psalm 96:13; John 5:22; Acts 17:30-31; Romans 14:10-12; Philippians 2:10-11)

We can’t recognize God for who He really is – the ever present, all powerful, and all knowing Creator of the universe, supreme ruler, and righteous judge – without truly realizing how vile and corruptible we are, incapable of pulling ourselves out of the muck and mire of sin. Vulnerable. Helpless. Doomed without His grace and mercy.

Wisdom is found only in fearing the Lord, and understanding is obtained through wisdom. It’s not possible to get saved without a fear of God. To get saved a person needs to recognize God for who He really is and see themselves for what they really are before they’ll ever see their need for a Savior.

Proverbs 4:7 says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” 

Understanding comes from wisdom, but where do we get wisdom?  The Word of God.

II Timothy 3:15 says, “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

Job 28:28 says, “And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” 

True wisdom begins with God.

Similar Posts

  • For Those Who Seek the Lord

    Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things. Proverbs 28:5 KJV To understand judgment means to recognize that there’s a consequence for sin.  Sin comes with a price, and sometimes it’s a hefty price.  Galatians 6:7 says that each individual reaps what they sow.  A farmer doesn’t plant corn and expect to harvest wheat.  No one can plant seeds of hate and bitterness and…

  • We are Saved by God’s Grace

    “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 The word grace means unearned favor.   Therefore, to be saved by the grace of God means that salvation is given to you free and clear.    You can’t earn it; nor do you deserve it.   But there is one thing you must…

  • God Knows Everything

    “Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.” I Samuel 2:3 KJV God knows everything.  He knows our actions, our intentions, our goals, our dreams, our desires, our wants, our struggles.  In I Chronicles 28:9, King David said, “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father,…

  • God Promises Peace

    “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3  We like peace – peace and quiet, peace between nations, peace in our households and on our jobs, peaceful settlements, peaceful neighborhood relations, peace treaties…  Our world is always looking for peace, but never finding it.  That’s because peace is only available through God.  Romans 14:17 says, “For the kingdom…

  • The Beginning of Wisdom

    “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” Psalm 111:10 KJV Those with God’s wisdom obey his commandments, which means that they have good understanding.  A good understanding of what?  A good understanding of God’s commands (or His orders and instructions).  It’s impossible to obey a command that you do not understand. That…

  • The Ways of the Lord are Right

    “Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.” Hosea 14:9 KJV God’s ways are always right, and those that do right according to God’s word (the just) will walk in His ways.   The wise and prudent know and understand this.   Proverbs 2:6-7…