Over the next few weeks, we’re going to focus our Good Word Fridays on the book of Proverbs. If you want words to live by, then Proverbs is a great place to go looking. 

So, we’re starting with a simple verse from the first chapter. Have you noticed that the phrase “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge/wisdom” is repeated again and again in Proverbs? Must be important to keep showing up like that.

What do these words mean?

We think it has something to do with acknowledging God as the ultimate authority — honoring Him, revering Him, and literally fearing Him as the beginning and end of everything. When we realize that God — not ourself — is Numero Uno, then we’re ready to learn, to gain that knowledge from above.

If we resist God, His wisdom, and His instruction, then this scripture doesn’t mince words about what we can call ourselves. 

Let’s be a people under God’s authority and no other! When the world doesn’t know where to turn for wisdom and truth, we’ll be there to offer what God has offered so freely to us.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.