Today's Passage: Proverbs 1 & 2

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7

As we embark on proverbs, the book of wisdom, I feel as though this verse is something of a guide to us. When I attended private school in seventh grade, my teacher always liked to drill this one into us. It loomed on the chalk board, found it's way on pop-quizzes, and was regularly recited. Unfortunately, I saw it as more of a nuisance that a light to gaining wisdom. However, now I see how vital the fear and respect of the Lord is to walking in a way that is pleasing to the Him.

First, we see that the fear of the Lord sparks knowledge. This fear is simply a respect. I respect my mother and father thus, I desire to please them. The same applies to our relationship with God but on a much higher level. I respect my parents because they raised me and care for me; I respect God because He is the sovereign creator, my gracious savior, and my sustainer (to list only a few). So, I fear the Lord and this illuminates my desire to please Him thus, I seek out the wisdom and knowledge in which to do so.

Second, we see that the fool despises these things. The fool does not seek out the things of the Lord, and why should he? His desire is for the things that please himself; higher power is of little concern to him (Read verses 1:29-33 to see the fool's end).

Here's the good news: wisdom isn't hiding. It is shouting in the streets and offering itself to anyone who wants it. I encourage you as you continue on in this book to indulge yourself in it. It is refreshing and convicting to the one who fears the Lord.