In review of Proverbs 1:7 it says, “Start with GOD — the first step in learning is bowing down to GOD; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning” (Proverbs 1:7 The Message).
Today's verse is Proverbs 1:7 and it says that the fear of the Lord (to have reverence for, to respect and obey him) is the foundation and beginning of true knowledge. Only fools despise and reject wisdom, discipline, instruction and good advice.
One of the most annoying types of people in the world are the know-it-alls, people who have a dogmatic opinion about everything, are closed to anything new, resent discipline, and refuse to learn. Solomon called this kind of a person a “fool”. So don't be a know-it-all. Instead, be open to the advice of others, especially those who know me well and can give valuable insight and counsel. Learn how to learn from others. And remember, only God knows it all.
In this age of information, knowledge is plentiful, but true wisdom is scarce. Wisdom means far more than simply knowing a lot. Wisdom is know what to do. It is a basic attitude that affects every aspect of life. The foundation of knowledge is to fear (revere) the Lord, to honor and respect God, to live in awe of his power, and to obey his Word (take him seriously). Faith in God should be the controlling principle for my understanding of the world, my attitudes, and my actions. Trust in God, and he will grant me wisdom.
Often when I establish a goal, I start hearing people say, “Who do you think you are” or “It can’t be done” or “Forget about it”? The antidote to the voices of doubt is to instead listen to the voice of God. Just imagine all the critics that were in Noah’s life. “That guy Noah thinks God speaks to him, but he’s just messing up all of our property values by building that ark in his front yard.”
The Bible tells us that Noah listened to God. And what did he hear? He heard God’s warning that the world was going to be destroyed. He believed what he had not yet seen. That’s what faith is — being certain of something we don’t see. Noah didn’t turn away from the vision God had given him. Instead, he built the ark.
God is going to give me a goal for my life, and some may think it’s pretty crazy. But I have to stay focused on what I know God has said through his Word, the Bible. Then, go and build my ark!
Bottom Line:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but only a fool would despise wisdom and instruction.
What this means to me:
For me to obtain and have knowledge, I must first have reverence for the Lord. I must take him and what he says seriously. It would be stupid for me to have no respect for wisdom and refusal to learn.
In summary, I must have a healthy respect and reverence for God (fear the Lord, take him seriously). It is the foundation and starting point for true knowledge. It would be foolish for me to reject wisdom, discipline, instruction and sound advice. Don't be a know-it-all, be open to the advice of others. Learn from others. When doubts come, listen to the voice of God and not popular opinion. I need to believe and act on what he tells me, for faith on my part is being certain of something I don't readily see. I need to stay focused on what I know God has and will tell me from his Word. I need to be building my ark.
Father today's verse is a reminder that I should be acting on and doing what you tell me. You have placed me where I’m at for a reason. I need to be focused on doing things under your direction and guidance. This morning I pray that instead of me burying my head into the work at hand that you will help me remember and be aware why you put me where I’m at. I want to live with integrity and make a difference in the lives of others. I want to lead others to do things with delivery excellence. Help me to communicate and interact with others in a loving manner. These things I pray in your Son Jesus’ name, amen.
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