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 4:1-13 NLT
1 My children, listen when your father corrects you.
Pay attention and learn good judgment,
2 for I am giving you good guidance.
Don’t turn away from my instructions.
3 For I, too, was once my father’s son,
tenderly loved as my mother’s only child.
4 My father taught me,
“Take my words to heart.
Follow my commands, and you will live.
5 Get wisdom; develop good judgment.
Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.
6 Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you.
Love her, and she will guard you.
7 Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!
And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.
8 If you prize wisdom, she will make you great.
Embrace her, and she will honor you.
9 She will place a lovely wreath on your head;
she will present you with a beautiful crown.”
10 My child, listen to me and do as I say,
and you will have a long, good life.
11 I will teach you wisdom’s ways
and lead you in straight paths.
12 When you walk, you won’t be held back;
when you run, you won’t stumble.
13 Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go.
Guard them, for they are the key to life.