April 26, 2023: The Starting Point

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7, ESV)

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." These words are so powerful and rich with understanding. The fear of the Lord is the foundation on which the entire Book of Proverbs rests. 

What is the fear of the Lord? To understand the fear of the Lord, you have to see it as one unit. Like the word butterfly, if you study the word butter and then study the word fly and attempt to find the meaning of butterfly, you will not find it. 

The fear of the Lord concerns God's law, statutes, precepts, commands, ordinances, etc. They come out of His nature and are directed to humanity for their well-being and prosperity. They are not forced on one's behavior; they are highly motivating when understood.

Consider Psalm 19:7-9 "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether." (Psalm 19:7–9, ESV)