Pearls of Wisdom: Knowing

 



Proverbs 1: 1-7



¹The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;   ²To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;   ³To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;  ⁴To give discernment to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.   ⁵A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:  ⁶To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.  ⁷The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction

These statements introduce us to the purpose of the book of Proverbs.  The principles of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity contained throughout this book were given not only for the management of society, but for our individual everyday lives as well.  If we focus our attention on getting a proper understanding, the book of Proverbs offers valuable lessons, principles and guidance for every part of our lives from relationships to finances to personal fulfillment.  When you face decisions and you ask yourself is this wise?, there is a good chance that the answer can be found in Proverbs. 

The first and absolutely most important principle of this book is that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.  This fear does not imply that we should be afraid of God; rather, we are to reverence Him and His Word in our lives.  Wise women revere God in all areas of their lives – ALL AREAS.  To revere simply means to respect and hold in the highest regard.  Do you hold God in the highest regard in every area of your life?  Do you fear God in your home? In your actions, responses and behaviors?  How about your attitude and conversation?  Do you respect God in the things you say and do?   It is the decision to respect and honor God in every area of your life that is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom.

When we focus on handling our lives with the utmost honor and respect for God, we begin to realize (obtain knowledge) that the opinions, thoughts and approvals of people are not necessary.  We free ourselves to be ourselves. We free ourselves from people’s expectations. We free ourselves from the burden of impressing others.  We free ourselves to make mistakes without wallowing in them because we free ourselves to experience God’s true grace as we grow in Him.  When we learn to fear God above people, meaning we hold God in higher regard than we hold people, it truly is the beginning of knowing who you are in Him; knowing how much He loves you just the way you are; knowing that you have a divine purpose hand-crafted by Him; knowing that every situation you encounter is working for your good; knowing that no weapon formed against you shall prosper; knowing that you can do all things, even the extremely difficult things, through HIM who strengthens you; knowing this wonderful God in an intimate personal way that shows up in the way you do your life.  Only the fear of God can give you this kind of knowing.  And as the scripture says, only fools despise (or disregard) so much rich and valuable information on how to manage your life.  So let us not be foolish but wise, learned and trained in the simplistic understanding of fundamental truths contained in this book.  This is the only way to experience abundant life on earth.

Pearls to ponder: In what areas of your life do you hold people’s perspective, opinions or expectations in high regard? Why? Are there things about you that you try to hide from people? Why? Are there areas of your life where you overlook the fact that God is watching your behavior? How can knowing God’s perspective, opinion and expectations help you in these areas?

Pearls to treasure: 

1 King 1: 8 Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom.

James 1:5 If any of you is lacking in wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or fault-finding, and it will be given him. (AMP)