The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, . . . (Proverbs 9:10a).

Yes, I know that the word “fear” in this sense is best translated as “awe” or “profound respect,” but I still think that the most basic meaning of fear has a place here.

As we grow up, we are taught to have a healthy respect for fire, electricity, cars, and other objects that could cause us harm if not approached appropriately. We aren’t to be afraid of them per se, but we are to respect their power and to fear what could possibly happen if not handled correctly. This is the beginning of wisdom in each of these areas. Only fools forget what each is capable of and throw caution to the wind.

Then how much more important is it to fear an ALL POWERFUL (omnipotent); ALL KNOWING (omniscient); and ALL PRESENT (omnipresent) God? Yes, we stand in wonder and awe at all that he has created, but we most definitely need to respect the power of who He is.

But the point of this verse is that the fear of the lord (that awe, wonder, respect of power) is the beginning of wisdom. Once we have placed God right where He should be, above all else, and accept his authority over everything, then we immediately gain wisdom in two areas.

First, we realize that all other fears disappear as Psalm 91 says.

. . .You will not fear the terror of night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
    nor the plague that destroys at midday. . . .

For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways; . . .

As well as the 365 reminders to “Fear not” that appear throughout the Bible (one for each day of the year).

Second, we will be able to grow in wisdom from the other people God has placed in our lives, as Proverbs 1:7-8 says:

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.

If we don’t accept God’s authority and direction, it is doubtful that we will accept the counsel of those he has placed in authority over us. Wisdom is not a lifting of the chin in pride and arrogance, but a bowing of the brow in submission and  profound awe.

Coronavirus. Record drops in the stock market. Devastating tornados. And that’s just the big stuff! Personal difficulties. A wayward child. An ill parent. A lost job. What is there not to be anxious about?





And yet that is what we have been told, yes commanded even. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Notice that nowhere in those verses does it say that everything will turn out okay. That no one will get sick. That your money will be safe or that lives won’t be lost. Though we want everyone to be healthy, out of danger, and financially secure, that isn’t what these verses promise. They promise peace. Peace through the difficulties. Why? Because ultimately God is in control.

Though we live in a fallen world filled with disease, death, disappointment, and downturns, nothing happens without God’s knowledge, and yes, permission. Does He cause it?––No. But as Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it”. 

Job 12:10 adds, “In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.”

But this does not mean that we should throw up our hands and do nothing.  We should always take precautions to minimize the risks that are within our control. But fear should never prevail. Because as I John 4:18 tells us, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” And God’s love is perfect for He loves us intimately and formed each of us so specially.

Luke 12:7––“Why, even the hairs of your head are numbered.”

Jeremiah 1:5––“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

But ultimately it is God who determines our future and the number of days we have on this earth: Job 14:5 reminds us that “A person's days are determined; you [God] have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.”

So remember that God’s perfect love for us translates to perfect peace. Isaiah 26:3––“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts you.​

Be prudent. Trust God. Experience peace.