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 9:1-12 NLT
1 Wisdom has built her house;
she has carved its seven columns.
2 She has prepared a great banquet,
mixed the wines, and set the table.
3 She has sent her servants to invite everyone to come.
She calls out from the heights overlooking the city.
4 “Come in with me,” she urges the simple.
To those who lack good judgment, she says,
5 “Come, eat my food,
and drink the wine I have mixed.
6 Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live;
learn to use good judgment.”
7 Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return.
Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt.
8 So don’t bother correcting mockers;
they will only hate you.
But correct the wise,
and they will love you.
9 Instruct the wise,
and they will be even wiser.
Teach the righteous,
and they will learn even more.
10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.
Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
11 Wisdom will multiply your days
and add years to your life.
12 If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit.
If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.