“10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” – Psalm 111:10 (ESV)
As I have been studying, fear is a healthy respect and adoration for Him. That being so, this verse makes a great deal of sense to me. In order to get wisdom, it all begins with having respect and adoration for the topic at hand. It is important to respect and adore the topic to take it seriously enough to gain something out of it.
I hold that the smartest people do not know everything, but they do know where to find the answers to questions asked. Those same people have a great deal of wisdom as they have a respect and adoration for the topics that are of vital importance in their lives, and when questioned on them, they have the knowledge to respond with confidence and accuracy. When the topic is not something that is of vital importance, they have enough respect and adoration for the topic that they will not just give an answer without researching and determining the correct response.
King Solomon was one of those that was one of the smartest people. He was so smart that when he had the opportunity to ask God for anything and it would be given to him, he asked for wisdom.
“7And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. 8And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. 9Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” – 1 Kings 3:7-9 (ESV)
When I read those verses, I see the fear of the LORD from Solomon. He already had great wisdom and still asked for it from God. And in Proverbs, Solomon reiterates the beginning of wisdom again.
“7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” – Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)
I am so encouraged by these words and only strive to be wiser today than I was yesterday and tomorrow more than today. That for me as with Solomon and others is to have a fear of the LORD so that I can begin to have the wisdom. I should continue to respect and adore the LORD at each turn to bring glory to Him and maybe, just maybe, He will grant me continued wisdom.
Where are you looking for wisdom? Are you seeking in books or from others to learn information or are you looking to “know” those important things and have the ability to seek for and understand all others when they are inquired about? What if you had a healthy respect and adoration for the LORD, and sought only wisdom from Him?
Trevor's Thoughts 