Begin With Wisdom
Wisdom is not intellectual knowledge and it is not just the accumulation of information and facts. Wisdom is knowing and respecting God, His word of truth and His created purpose for our lives. Wisdom begins with understanding our created purpose and is the first step toward living a fulfilled and purposeful life.
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. NKJ
Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. NKJ
To fear God is to hate evil, to hate the evil that He hates and to have respect for His word and His truth. Fear of God is not a matter of shaking with anxiety but to have a reverence, admiration and a worship for God the Creator. It is conforming to His truths and principles as the rules of right conduct to help us make the distinction and discern between right and wrong. Wisdom is an amazement and devotion with reverential respect for God that places His word of truth above all else.
We were created in God’s image and likeness to have enjoyment in all His creation and to bring Him pleasure as we reflected His likeness in the natural world that He has create for us. Even in this fallen state we can see God’s glory in His creations, the oceans, the mountains, the canyons and in all living creatures and life which reflects His beauty and majesty. When we walk in wisdom with a reverent respect for God’s word we are able to live a life that is happy with purpose. Though it may not be without struggles and the challenges of life’s disappointments we will have the wisdom of God to know how to navigate life’s many disillusionments and frustrations.
Proverbs 3:13-17 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding: For her proceeds are better than the profit of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
When we look at what wisdom brings, we find it is what most people are searching all their lives; length of days, riches and honor, pleasantness, friendliness and peace. God gave uspurpose in family, friends and relationships. Everyone at some point want fellowship with their family and friends and to be at peace with much congeniality and community. To have the richness of our needs met with honor, joy in unity andbrotherhood. Wisdom is hating evil and respecting God’s principles and this is the main thing.
Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principle thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. NKJ
God says wisdom is the principle thing, then we should make obtaining wisdom our main object, and goal and this should be the basis of our accomplishments in life. Wisdom is to get the truth of God’s word. In getting His word we should get an understanding and knowledge of His kingdom principles and precepts that we may operate with wisdom in this life. Fear of God is to disdain, shun and turn away from evil, pride and arrogance and to pursue peace, this is the beginning of wisdom.
Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. NKJ
1 Peter 3:10-12a For “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and purse it. For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers… NKJ
We are born into this world without godly wisdom and we lack understanding of God’s principles and kingdom ways. We are told to ask for wisdom and understanding from God and He will give it to us. Most people refuse to acknowledge that they are in need, they refuse to let go of their pride and humble themselves before God or to ask for wisdom. Wisdom comes from God and He has promised to give it liberally to those who ask and He will not criticize or scold us for asking.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who give to all liberally and without reproach and it will be given him. NKJ
Obtaining wisdom is a simple process but it has been hidden from the hearts of fallen mankind. Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, hating evil is the fear of God, then we should come to know God’s ways and hate pride, arrogance and perverse speaking. When we lack wisdom, we are to ask God and Hewill give it to us generously and abundantly.
Proverbs 2:6-12 For the LORD give wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path. When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you, to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things. NKJ
The fear of the Lord is having His vision in our hearts and to love what He loves and to hate the evil that He hates.
Integrity- People of God 