A Life of God-Given Wisdom

The key word in the Book of Proverbs is “wisdom,” which is used to define wisdom and to assist God’s people in becoming wise. Verse 7 is the cornerstone of the entire book of Proverbs. It explicitly instructs where to find wisdom, which is in “fear of the Lord.” Solomon, the book’s author, is making an explicit statement against any knowledge that takes precedence over the Lord.

What exactly does “fear of the Lord” imply? Fear is not the same as fright or horror in this context. Solomon used the word to express his deep reverence for the Lord. It means to be in awe of God’s holiness, to revere Him, and to honor Him as the God of great glory, majesty, purity, and power. Solomon is inviting us to understand the fear of the Lord clearly and thoroughly. This is the foundation for ongoing wisdom and discernment, and it prepares us for a life of God-given wisdom. True knowledge, according to the Bible, cannot exist without a reverent “fear” of God. He is the sole ruler of eternity, time, and the universe. He is the Lord of Lord and the King of Kings.