“7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” – Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)
It is pretty clear here in Proverbs where knowledge starts. I have studied wisdom, fear, and beginning and during those studies was brought to this verse. “Fear of the LORD” is our reverence and commitment to Him. Having reverence and commitment to the Lord is the place to start in our knowledge quest. I am not able to proceed and gain the knowledge that I am looking for without first fearing the LORD.
In the commentary from my ESV Bible this is what is written relating to knowledge and wisdom: “’knowledge’ tends to focus on correct understanding of the world and oneself as creatures of the magnificent and loving God, while ‘wisdom’ is the acquired skill of applying that knowledge rightly,”. So they are related to one another and not one and the same thing, but later in the commentary for the same verse 7 I find the beginning or start of knowledge and wisdom attainment: “submission to the Lord is foundational to the attainment of real understanding.”
I continue to strive to gain knowledge and wisdom each day and as such work to remember where to start, well Trevor, it start with the “fear of the LORD”.
Where are you looking to find knowledge? Are you finding real understanding? What if you started with having that reverence for God and the “fear of the LORD” as you begin your search?
Trevor's Thoughts 