The Treasure of Wisdom

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”  Proverbs 9:10

One of the most common questions asked by Christians today is, “What is God’s will for my life?” When people ask this question, they are usually referring to circumstances that are not directly addressed in Scripture – circumstances specific to their lives.

Many believers live with anxiety and fear of making the wrong decision. Most of us have wished (at one time or another) that God would just spell all the details out in front of us. Wouldn’t that be easier? Maybe so, but then we might miss the whole point – to know God and trust Him, to grow in wisdom and knowledge.

In those times when the details are not clear, there is great comfort to be found in the book of Proverbs. Written primarily by King Solomon, this book is filled with the words wisdom, prudence, knowledge, instruction, and insight. But what we also find in Proverbs is a correlation between the fear (respect) of the Lord and wisdom. And without wisdom, it is impossible to discern God’s voice and direction.

Our wisdom in daily life is dependent on our relationship with Christ. When we walk in fear of Him, we walk in wisdom. Our relationship with God affects our relationships with other people. And in order to have wisdom in the world, we must be in right relationship with God. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all of this.

God made an amazing offer to King Solomon in 1 Kings 3:5 when He said, “Ask Me for whatever you want Me to give you.” Do you know what Solomon requested? “Give Your servant a discerning heart to govern Your people and to distinguish between right and wrong” (1 Kings 3:9). Solomon asked for wisdom.

He could have asked for the answers to life’s deepest mysteries. But he asked for wisdom.  He could have asked for an easy, successful life. But he asked for wisdom. His request itself is evidence that He feared the Lord. He had a deep desire to please God and to rule God’s people according to His will. Solomon understood the treasure of godly wisdom. Do you?

Father, I know that godly wisdom is a gift from You. Please help me to live each day in respect for You, because I know that this is the beginning of wisdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.