Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”
What does it mean to “fear” the LORD? In this oft repeated phrase found in the Proverbs and elsewhere in the Scriptures, the idea that God is to be revered and respected is conveyed. In fact, we are told in no uncertain terms that true wisdom can only be attained by those who first develop a proper “fear” of the Lord; for it is, as verse 10 reminds us, “the beginning of wisdom.”
In a world where carnal Christians are quick to emphasize the “love” of God, while at the same time downplay the “holiness” and “righteousness” of God; it is good for us to be reminded of the fact that our God is a thrice holy God and worthy of our honor and reverence. Revelation 4:8 tells us of the four creatures which surround the throne of God in heaven. Continually, both “day and night,” they proclaim the words, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.”
Yes, God is love personified (I John 4:8) and His love is without bounds or limitations (Romans 8:38-39); but He is also a God of holiness and righteousness (Psalm 119:137, Ezra 9:15). Therefore, He is deserving of our worship, honor, and respect.
Oswald Chambers, in his classic devotional book, My Utmost for His Highest, wrote that, “The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God you fear everything else.” With this in mind, is it any wonder that David would declare in Psalm 112:1, “…Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.”
As we face the day, let us determine to walk wisely in the precepts and principles of the LORD while recognizing that all true wisdom finds its fountainhead in “the fear of the LORD.”
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