“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7 NIV
More than anything, I want to be a wise woman. I want to have knowledge and understanding that is such a common theme throughout the Proverbs. Proverbs 1:7 tells us “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” What does this mean for us a Christian mothers?
Meaning of Proverbs 1:7
King Solomon wrote this proverb as well as the majority of the book of wisdom. In chapter 1, he gives us a solid foundation for what it means to be wise. It culminates in verse 7 as he tells us,”the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”
This is not a book smart knowledge or storing facts. This is a supernatural wisdom that can only be gained by knowing God. Which means then, to know God is to fear God. Bruce Waltke comments, ” What the alphabet is to reading, notes to reading music, and numerals to mathematics, the fear of the LORD is to attaining the revealed knowledge of this book.”
To fear God is to revere Him as our Creator, our King, our Lord, and our source of life and light. The second part of this verse says, “fools despise wisdom and instruction.” We have to be willing to admit that all His ways are true and right and apart from Him, we are ignorant and our lives are futile.
In Genesis 3:6, we see that the fall of man was a direct result of people seeking to obtain wisdom apart from God. It is not possible. It leads to sin and destruction.
Scriptures on Fearing God to Gain Wisdom
- And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.” Job 28:28 NIV
- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. Psalm 111:10 NIV
- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 NIV
- Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV
What Happens When You Fear God?
When we fear God as Christian mothers, some amazing things happen in our lives and homes. I would like to give you a list of just a few benefits of putting the fear of God first in your life. There are many more and I would challenge you to make your own list as your search the scriptures.
- You gain knowledge.
- Application: Read God’s word, pray for more insight.
- Key verse: Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18 NIV
- Keeps you from sin.
- Application: Memorize and meditate on God’s word.
- Key verse: I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 118:11 NIV
- You receive mercy.
- Application: Praise God for His mercy. Accept it with a repentant and grateful heart.
- Key verse: His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. Luke 1:50 NIV
- You will lack nothing.
- Application: Cast off worry and fear. Trust God and His provision.
- Key verse: Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. Psalm 34:9 NIV
- You teach those around you the “fear of God.”
- Application: People (and your children) will notice that you live upright. Be prepared to share the gospel.
- Key verse: Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Psalm 34:11 NIV
Prayer to Fear God
Lord, Your promises are infinite for those who fear you. Teach us how to properly walk in wisdom and truth so that we may keep from sin and obtain mercy in our time of need. Help us to teach our children and those we have influence with to fear you. We desire you to be worshipped, exalted, and to take first place in our lives and homes. All glory and honor to you. Amen.