The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline. (1:7)
In this very first chapter of Proverbs, we find the theme for the entire book. Solomon, the author and wisest man who ever lived, basically says that wisdom and discipline are vital for life and they can only be found in the Lord. This is a fascinating thought because those who are the “most educated” and those who have the “most degrees” are often the most foolish. If you want real wisdom; if you want true knowledge, then it begins with the “fear of the LORD.” A pastor friend used to tell me that some people were “educated beyond the point of their intelligence.” Academic prowess with no Fear for God means that you are most foolish because true understanding comes from Him and He is the source of all true life and wisdom.
Having reverence, respect and awe for God are what Solomon means when he says the “fear of the Lord.” Those who put Jesus first are the ones who have true understanding. Those who pursue Him and pursue knowing Him through His word and prayer are the ones who are wisest among us. This doesn’t mean that learning is wrong or that academic studies are of no value; on the contrary, they are extremely valuable. However, those academic pursuits must be built on the foundation of a relationship with Jesus, and they must result in bringing greater glory to God instead of glory to yourself. We don’t learn for learning’s sake. Instead, we learn about people, the universe and everything around us in order to better ourselves as citizens of God’s kingdom and agents for His glory. Whatever you do, do it with your whole heart and do it out of reverence (fear) for the glory of God.
