Wisdom starts with reverence for God and knowing Him.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”Proverbs 9:10 (KJV)
What does “Beginning of wisdom” mean in Proverbs 9:10?
In Proverbs, the fear of the LORD means deep respect and awe before God, not terror. The verse says this reverence is where wisdom begins, and knowing God is the root of understanding.
Going deeper
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Wisdom is not first about being clever or well informed. It begins with a right relationship to God: honoring Him, respecting His ways, and knowing Him as He is. From there, good judgment about how to live grows. Without that foundation, knowledge can be used for foolish ends.
That takes some pressure off. You do not need to be an expert to be wise. You need to begin with God. Each day, before decisions, take a moment to honor Him and ask for His way. Spend time in His word to know what He is like. As reverence grows, so does wisdom. Make it a habit to start your day by acknowledging who He is, and see how that shapes your choices. Reverence is not fear of punishment but awe at who God is. Let awe shape your day, and wisdom will follow in time.
Reflect
How could you begin your day by honoring God before you make your decisions?
Pray
Lord, I honor You. Teach me to begin with reverence, and grow in me the wisdom that comes from knowing You. In Jesus' name, amen.
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