Table of Contents
The Starting Point
Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding.
Some believe wisdom begins with the ask; however, Proverbs begs to differ. How does one hope to gain godly wisdom, if one doesnât fear God to begin with? The fool has said in his heart, there is no God (see Psalms 14:1; 53:1).
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7).
How People Refuse Wisdom
What happens when people refuse to listen to wisdom when she cries out, âTurn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto youâ (Proverbs 1:23)? Calamity, fear, desolation and destruction come as a whirlwind (see verses 26-27). Have you ever said, âI should have listened?â
When they cry after the fact, it will be too late by then. The damage is done. In fact, wisdom says, âThen they shall call, but I will not answerâ (Proverbs 1:28). And why is that? For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD (Proverbs 1:29).
When people refuse to fear the Lord, they leave all that godly wisdom and knowledge on the table, and walk away empty-handed.
Who Has First Place?
What else could be amiss if a person does fear the Lord, but wisdom still doesnât seem to be forthcoming? The answer may be found in another question: who has first place in our life? If something or someone is first in line, we may find ourself acting as a fool. Meaning, we want what we want, so we donât want to hear anything contrary to it. When we neglect His counsel and reproof, calamity may be waiting around the corner. By the way, if a desire is that strong, one may actually be dealing with a lust.
Psalm 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Delighting in the Lord places His will in first place. Sometimes we think we know what we want, but He knows exactly what are our true desires. Sometimes the issue is not the true issue. As we delight in Him, He places His desires in our heart. When we ask accordingly, wisdom will come our way. It actually is a desire of our heart.
By the way, Jesus is our Wisdom (see 1 Corinthians 1:30).
