The beginning of wisdom

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”—Proverbs 9:10

Wisdom is not something that we can buy from the market or learn from books. True wisdom comes from God. While knowledge can be gathered through study and experience, wisdom is the ability to apply that knowledge rightly, with understanding, discernment, and the fear of the Lord. The Bible says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”(Proverbs 9:10). This means wisdom flows out of a relationship with God, as He guides our thoughts, words, and actions.

When I first came to know the Lord, one of the very first verses I was taught to memorise was, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” At that stage of my journey, I could repeat it easily, but I didn’t really understand what it meant. It was more like words stored in my memory than truth written on my heart.

 

Over time, as I grew in my walk with God, I began to realise that this verse carries a depth that touches every part of our lives. It reminds us that wisdom is not simply about knowledge or intelligence, but about living in a right relationship with God. Many of us may have had a similar journey—verses we first memorised as new believers have only later revealed their richness as we matured in faith.

 

Now, when we speak of wisdom, it’s important to ask: What kind of wisdom is Proverbs  talking about? The world has its own version of wisdom—brilliant minds, top intellectuals, and great thinkers—but many of them live with no reverence for God. That’s worldly wisdom. 

 

Worldly wisdom is rooted in human intellect, experience, and philosophy. It can be brilliant, sophisticated, and even helpful in solving earthly problems—but it often leaves God out of the picture (1 Corinthians 1:20). The world has produced many intellectual giants, thinkers, and innovators, yet without the fear of God their wisdom is ultimately limited and unable to answer the deepest questions of life, eternity, and morality.

 

James goes on to describe what wordily wisdom looks like in James 3:14-16:

 

But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

 

But Scripture points us to something greater: godly wisdom.

 

Godly wisdom, begins not with the mind but with the heart posture toward God. James describes it: “The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17). Godly wisdom is anchored in God’s character and revealed through His Word.

 

Thus, Proverbs reminds us: the fear of the Lord is the very foundation, the starting point, for this kind of wisdom.

 

What then Is the Fear of the Lord?

 

The phrase “fear of the Lord” can be misunderstood. It doesn’t mean living in terror of God, as though He is cruel or unpredictable. Instead, it combines reverence, awe, and deep respect for His holiness and authority.

 

Deuteronomy 10:12-13 gives us a clear explanation of what the fear of the Lord is: 

 

“And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Fear the LORD your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name. He is your praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.”

 

Here we see that fearing God is not about cowering in terror. Instead, it is reverence that leads to action. The fear of the Lord causes us to:

• Aligned obedience – Walking in His ways, keeping our steps in line with His truth.
• Affectionate love – Loving Him with all our heart and soul in reverence and devotion.
• Active allegiance – Serving Him faithfully with wholehearted commitment.
• Adoring worship – Holding fast to Him as our God and giving Him all praise.

In short, the fear of the Lord is not a negative posture of dread but a positive, life-giving foundation that shapes our obedience, service, and worship. It is the root of godly wisdom, directing our steps and deepening our love for Him.

 

True godly wisdom is reflected in every part of our lives. In our minds, it means measuring every thought, philosophy, or teaching against God’s truth. In our hearts, it shows as a deep reverence for His holiness and gratitude for His grace. In our actions, it calls us to choose what honours Him, even when it is costly. And in our witness, it is demonstrated to the world that true wisdom is not mere intelligence, but a life fully lived under God’s rule.

 

Worldly wisdom may impress, but it cannot save. Godly wisdom begins where human pride ends, in the fear of the Lord. To fear Him is to know Him; to know Him is to love Him; to love Him is to obey Him. And in obedience, we find wisdom for life, for eternity, and for every choice in between.

 

Prayer

 

Heavenly Father,

We thank You that true wisdom begins with knowing You and walking in reverence before You. Teach us to humble our hearts, to turn away from worldly pride, and to seek Your ways above our own understanding. Give us a holy fear—not of terror, but of awe—that we may honour You in our choices, words, and actions. May the Spirit of wisdom and revelation rest upon us, guiding us to live in a way that pleases You. Help us, Lord, to value godly wisdom above all riches, and to walk in the fear of the Lord all the days of our lives.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.