The principle of fearing the lord as the beginning of knowledge
Introduction: what is Proverbs 1:7 saying?
Proverbs 1:7 says that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” This means that if we want to be truly knowledgeable, we must first have a healthy respect for God. Unfortunately, many people today view wisdom and instruction as something to be despised. They would rather follow their own desires and instincts, regardless of where it might lead them. This is a recipe for disaster, since it ignores the wealth of knowledge and experience that comes from following God’s will.
What does it mean to “fear the LORD”?
To “fear the LORD” can mean different things to different people, but ultimately it boils down to respect and reverence for God. To some, it may mean living in constant fear of His wrath and punishment, while others may see it as a more general sense of awe and wonder at His greatness. Either way, fearing the LORD is an important part of faith, and is a necessary step in gaining knowledge of Him.
Fools, on the other hand, despise wisdom and instruction from the LORD. They think they know better than God Himself, and so they reject His guidance. This ultimately leads to their downfall, as they are left without wisdom or understanding. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
What is the relationship between fearing the LORD and having knowledge?
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. This relationship is difficult to understand because it seems like fearing the LORD would be the opposite of having knowledge. However, this is not the case. In fact, fearing the LORD is actually a sign that someone is knowledgeable. Fools, on the other hand, are those who lack knowledge and understanding. They are the ones who make fun of those who are wise and instructive.
Why do fools despise wisdom and instruction?
There are a few reasons that fools might despise wisdom and instruction. One reason could be that they think they already know everything and don’t need any help from anyone else. They might also not like being told what to do or how to do something because it makes them feel like they’re not smart enough to figure it out on their own. Finally, some people might be afraid of change or of learning new things because it can be uncomfortable and make them feel out of their depth. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that fools would rather stay ignorant than take the time to learn something new.
How can we overcome the temptation to be a fool?
There is no easy answer when it comes to overcoming the temptation to be a fool. However, understanding why we are tempted to act in foolish ways can help us find strategies to resist those temptations.
One reason we may be tempted to act like fools is because we underestimate the importance of wisdom and knowledge. We may think that we can get by without learning anything new or taking advice from others. However, as Proverbs 1:7 tells us, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” If we want to avoid being foolish, we need to start by respecting wisdom and seeking out knowledge.
Another reason we may be tempted to behave foolishly is because we overestimate our own abilities.
Conclusion: what does Proverbs 1:7 teach us about God and knowledge?
Proverbs 1:7 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. This verse teaches us that God is the source of all knowledge and wisdom, and that we should seek Him first if we want to be truly knowledgeable and wise. The fear of the Lord is not a servile fear, but rather a reverential fear that leads us to trust in and obey Him. When we have this kind of fear of the Lord, it results in a desire to know and follow His will for our lives.
