WHY IT MATTERS //
In Proverbs 1:7 we read that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools (ie. those who reject God’s moral standards) despise wisdom and instruction.” In our modern culture it can be easy to view God without the honor that he deserves. When the Bible speaks of the “fear” that we should have towards God it refers to a deep respect, honor and reverence; an awareness that we are subject to Him and that He possesses all power and authority. It is truly an amazing reality that our all-powerful God invites us into covenant with Him and that He co-labors with us. In making God approachable we can mistakenly remove his Awe and Holiness, bringing him down to human equality. In Isaiah 55:8-9 God reveals that his thoughts and his ways are both “different” and “better” than the natural thoughts and ways of mankind. It is only through a correct positioning of humility before Him that we are able to receive His greater knowledge and wisdom. When we elevate ourselves (our thoughts, ideas, ways) before Him the Bible calls this sinful response pride. When we humble ourselves before Him he chooses to elevate us because we have been given a righteousness we do not deserve through Jesus. From this righteous standing we can exchange the ways of man for the ways of God.
WHAT IT'S TALKING ABOUT //
In the book of Proverbs we see God personified as “Wisdom” itself.; That wisdom is not something God has, but rather it is something he is. God is the source and compass of our morality and he decides the difference between what is right and what is wrong. By responding rightly to God (with reverence) we receive, not only knowledge from Him concerning how to live (intellectual), but we actually receive Him (union with his nature). Wisdom and righteousness become byproducts of our lives as we are unified with Jesus, positioned in the fear of God.
Proverbs 2:1-15 NLT
1 My child, listen to what I say,
and treasure my commands.
2 Tune your ears to wisdom,
and concentrate on understanding.
3 Cry out for insight,
and ask for understanding.
4 Search for them as you would for silver;
seek them like hidden treasures.
5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,
and you will gain knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.
He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
8 He guards the paths of the just
and protects those who are faithful to him.
9 Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair,
and you will find the right way to go.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will fill you with joy.
11 Wise choices will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you safe.
12 Wisdom will save you from evil people,
from those whose words are twisted.
13 These men turn from the right way
to walk down dark paths.
14 They take pleasure in doing wrong,
and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil.
15 Their actions are crooked,
and their ways are wrong.