“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Proverbs 1:7 KJV
Our country revolves around knowledge. That’s why we put such a high priority on a good education, and we would agree that “fools despise wisdom and instruction.” But without God, there is no knowledge.
I Samuel 2:3 says, “…for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.” All knowledge comes from God, and “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…”
I Timothy 2:4 says, “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” God wants us to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Truth is not relative; it’s absolute.
The dictionary defines knowledge as an “awareness or familiarity gained by experience.”
Yet, II Timothy 3:7 says, “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Knowledge apart from truth is worthless.
Jesus said in John 14:6, “…I am the truth…” He also said in John 17:17, “…thy word is truth.” Without the fear of the LORD in our lives, we are devoid of truth.
The fear of the LORD brings to us a healthy respect and reverence for God, our Creator; Jesus, His Son; the Holy Spirit, our Comforter; and God’s Word, the Holy Bible. If we lack reverence for even One in the Holy Trinity or for God’s Word, we do not fear the LORD, in which case, we have no knowledge of the Truth.
Proverbs I:29 says, “For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:”
Living in a society that almost worships knowledge and education, the Bible tells us where to find what we’re looking for.
- Proverbs 2:3-6 says, “Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”
- II Corinthians 4:6 says, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
- Psalm 111:10 says, “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.”
- Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Our only source of knowledge and wisdom is God Almighty. And it starts with “the fear of the LORD.”