”The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
Proverbs 9:10New International Version (NIV)
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Praise the Lord.
Proverbs 9:10 Devotional
The Foundation of Wisdom
Proverbs 9:10 offers a profound insight into the source or Foundation of true wisdom, which is “The fear of the Lord”. The verse finishes by adding that the “knowledge of the Holy One is understanding”. But this contradicts the world’s philosophy, which often equates wisdom with worldly knowledge and cleverness.
However, this verse reminds us that true wisdom begins with a reverence for God and an intimate understanding of His character. The verse exhorts you and me to build our lives on a foundation of humility and divine understanding.
Therefore, I’ll delve into the depths of this verse and explore how it can guide us to a life of wisdom without further ado.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
This “fear” isn’t about terror or dread, as I alluded to earlier. It’s about a deep respect, reverence, and awe for God’s holiness and power. And it’s acknowledging His sovereignty and submitting to His authority.
No wonder this reverence is the starting point, the essential first step towards acquiring true wisdom. Without it, our knowledge remains incomplete or infinite and often “misapplied”.
Knowledge of the Holy One is understanding
The knowledge that the Wiseman refers to is the kind that goes beyond intellectual knowledge. It’s based on an intimate, experiential understanding of God’s character, His ways, and His heart. And it involves seeking a personal relationship with Him, learning from His Word, and allowing His Spirit to guide our lives.
Consequently, true understanding comes from knowing God, not just knowing about Him. That is, it’s based on fellowship with God.
Ultimately, Proverbs 9:10 presents a clear path to wisdom, which is reverence followed by relationship. It emphasizes that true wisdom isn’t a collection of facts or clever strategies, but a life rooted in God’s truth and guided by His Spirit.
By acknowledging God’s authority and seeking an intimate relationship with Him, you gain a perspective that transcends earthly limitations. You learn to discern right from wrong, to make wise decisions, and to live a life that honors God. Because true wisdom comes from God (Proverbs 2:6 and James 3:13-18).
Reflection
- Where do you seek wisdom? Are you relying on worldly knowledge, or are you prioritizing a relationship with God?
- What does “the fear of the Lord” mean to you? How can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverence for God’s holiness?
- Are you actively seeking to know God intimately? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of His character?
- How can you apply the wisdom of Proverbs 9:10 to your daily decisions and relationships?
Prayer/Blessing
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that You are the source of all wisdom and understanding. I confess that I often seek wisdom in the wrong places.
Help me to cultivate a deep reverence for Your holiness and to seek an intimate relationship with You. Grant me the wisdom to live according to Your truth and to make decisions that honor You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Call to Action
Today, build your life on the foundation of God’s wisdom.
- Pray, ask God to reveal areas where you lack reverence for Him.
- Read scripture passages that highlight God’s holiness and sovereignty.
- Seek to understand God’s character through Bible study and reflection.
- Make a conscious effort to submit to God’s authority in your decisions.
- Share a moment where God’s wisdom guided you with someone who needs it.
- Practice humility, acknowledging that all wisdom comes from God.
Seek God’s wisdom. Live with reverence.
Daily Bible Reading
Psalms 144-150 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
Cliff Lukaye
Cliff Lukaye is a believer, husband, father, pastor, DIYer, and writer living in Nairobi, Kenya. He is inspired by the beauty of God’s Word and the transformative power of faith and seeks to share reflections and insights that encourage others to experience a deeper relationship with God.
Additionally, he believes that every moment is an opportunity to praise God and live a life of worship. You can connect with him on his YouTube channel, [Pastor Cliff Lukaye], FaceBook page, [Pastor Cliff Lukaye], Instagram account, [Cliff Lukaye], and X handle, [CliffLukaye].
