True Wisdom

J.A. Matteson

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.  Proverbs 9:10

It's all so simple and at the same time mysterious. That is, how can we know true wisdom to live a meaningful and satisfying life with a heart of understanding to live prudently? The ancient words of King Solomon tell us: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10). What does the old guy mean by "fear"? Does he mean terror? No. He means reverence (a deep respect) for the holiness of God and a healthy respect for His wrath as a consequence to those who reject Him. That premise is the beginning of living wisely. It is to be playing, if you will, the game of life with a full deck of cards, to have the good judgement to perceive life as it truly is, a gift from God who created all things and to whom all things are accountable. So to acknowledge that God exists, is holy, and is the ruler of all things is the beginning point of living a life of wisdom. And this wisdom is available to everyone; however, many reject it. The king next goes on to say that once we have attained true wisdom by acknowledging God's existence and submitting to his governance over our lives that "knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." In other words Solomon is suggesting we can know God personally and intimately. Think about that for a moment because it's an amazing truth. The God of the universe invites everyone to know Him personally; that is fantastic! Where can we gain this knowledge of God? The answer is right in front of us: the Bible. It is God's inspired revelation to the world of Himself. Want to know the heart of God? Read and study the Bible. The more you commit yourself to knowing the heart of God through the Bible the more "understanding" you will acquire on living out a life of true wisdom, a life pleasing before the God who created you to know Him and love Him and to know His love towards you. 

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