THE FEAR OF THE LORD GOD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM

Proclamation:

“Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.  The fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of The Holy One is understanding.  For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.  If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.”  Proverbs 9:9-12 (NIV)

Explanation:

This proverb, like all but the last two of the proverbs, was written by King Solomon under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  This ninth proverb is also all about wisdom.  Solomon begins by saying that wisdom has built her house, prepared the meal, and invited the guest to join her. (Proverbs 9:1-6)  Teaching those who are wise will make them wiser.  Having wisdom, and applying it, can lengthen one’s life.  Having respect for The Lord God is the beginning of wisdom.  Wisdom is a gift from The Lord. (Proverbs 2:6)  He who has wisdom has something that is much more valuable that silver or gold. (Proverbs 8:10-11)

Application:

If you offer The Word of God to some people, they will hate you for it. (Proverbs 9:7-8)  Those who will not receive The Word of God are to be left alone. (Luke 9:5)  Shake the dust off of your shoes and keep on going.  Our job is to tell them and offer it to them, not to force them to accept it or believe it.  It is the job of The Holy Spirit of God to convict, convince, and convert them as He sees fit to do.