Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. Proverbs 9:10
The very well-known verse Proverbs 9:10 begins with the words, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom." When we think of the word fear, we often think of being scared or frightened. This is not the only meaning of fear, however. Merriam-Webster’s dictionary states that fear can also mean “profound reverence and awe.” When it comes to the fear of the Lord, this is a better understanding of what it means to have fear. To fear the Lord is to have “profound reverence and awe” of Him, knowing that He is God, and we are not. This kind of reverence and awe impacts everything. It prompts us to live in a way that honors our God, who is worthy of all our worship.
As Solomon’s futile quest for satisfaction in Ecclesiastes ended, he said: “That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey His commandments, for this is everyone’s duty” (verse 13). We will focus on the first part of Solomon's conclusion today: Fear God. If we want to find satisfaction and please God, we must start with a healthy fear of Him. As we discovered from Merriam-Webster’s dictionary definition of the word fear, this does not mean being frightened or scared of God, but having deep reverence and awe of Him, remembering that He is the King of the universe who rules over all. This knowledge should impact how we approach Him. When we have the fear of the Lord, we understand that He deserves every ounce of our respect and obedience.
After explaining that "fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom," Proverbs 9:10 continues saying, "Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.” If we want to have wisdom, we start by fearing the Lord. That fear of the Lord then motivates us to live differently. You see, having the fear of the Lord and right understanding of who He is leads us to want to obey Him and make wise decisions because we understand that He is in control over everything and that He holds all knowledge and power.
Still today, the “fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.” If we want to honor God and find satisfaction in Him and Him alone, we must have the fear of the Lord, standing in awe of who He is and determined to honor Him and obey Him. After all, this kind of fear will guide us to live wisely and honor Him with our lives.
In your journal, write out Proverbs 9:10. Then write out your response to this question: How would having a fear, or “profound reverence and awe” of God, impact your daily living? How would having a healthy fear of God change the decisions you make and the way you live day to day? As you go throughout your day, commit to living with the fear, or “profound reverence and awe,” of the Lord.
Prayer Prompt: Use this prompt to guide you as you pray.
“God, You reign supreme over everything and hold all power. I worship You because…”
Proverbs 9:1-18
1Wisdom has built her house; she has carved its seven columns. 2 She has prepared a great banquet, mixed the wines, and set the table. 3 She has sent her servants to invite everyone to come. She calls out from the heights overlooking the city. 4 “Come in with me,” she urges the simple. To those who lack good judgment, she says, 5 “Come, eat my food, and drink the wine I have mixed. 6 Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live; learn to use good judgment.”
7 Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt. 8 So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you. 9 Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.
10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
11 Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. 12 If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.
13 The woman named Folly is brash. She is ignorant and doesn’t know it. 14 She sits in her doorway on the heights overlooking the city. 15 She calls out to men going by who are minding their own business. 16 “Come in with me,” she urges the simple. To those who lack good judgment, she says, 17 “Stolen water is refreshing; food eaten in secret tastes the best!” 18 But little do they know that the dead are there. Her guests are in the depths of the grave.
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