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 3:7-15 NLT
7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the best part of everything you produce.
10 Then he will fill your barns with grain,
and your vats will overflow with good wine.
11 My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
12 For the Lord corrects those he loves,
just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
the one who gains understanding.
14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
and her wages are better than gold.
15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.