In this verse we see a direct correlation/relationship between the fear of the Lord, wisdom, and obedience to the Lord’s commandments, as one occupies himself with God’s praise. An expanded version of this verse says, “The reverent fear and worship of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and skill (the preceding and the first essential, the prerequisite and the alphabet); a good understanding, wisdom and meaning have all those who do the will of the Lord. Their praise of Him endures forever.”
Psalm 119: 38 + 130 + 165 says, “Establish Thy Word to Thy servant, as that which produces reverence for Thee. The unfolding of Thy Words gives Light; it gives understanding to the simple. Those who love Thy Law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble.” Proverbs 1: 7: says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 2: 6 – 12a: says, “ For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a Shield to those who walk with integrity, guarding the path of justice, and He preserves the way of His godly ones. Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity and every good course. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; Discretion will guard you, understanding will watch over you, to deliver you from the way of evil.”
We are given further insight in Proverbs 9: 10: + 3: 5: which says, “The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” By these verses alone we can appreciate that there are two completely opposite definitions of the word understanding, and way of doing things.
Jesus says in John 17: 7 – 8 + 3: “Now they have come to know (knowledge) that everything Thou hast given Me is from Thee; for the Words (commandments) which Thou gavest Me I have given to them; and they received them (turning away from their own understanding), and truly understood (understanding and knowing God, the Holy One) that I came from Thee, and they believed that Thou didst send Me. And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ Whom Thou hast sent.”
1 Corinthians 1: 30: “But by His (God’s) doing you are in Christ Jesus, Who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” 1 Peter 1: 8 + 9: says, “And though you have not seen Him (Jesus), you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of Glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the Salvation of your souls.”
Dearest Holy Lord Jesus: thank You so very much for the wealth of wisdom and knowledge we receive from Your Word. Thank You so much for making it so readily available for us to read, as so many around the world do not have this honor and privilege. Come by Your Holy Spirit, and give us a new found awareness of the awesomeness of the riches and treasure of Your Word, that it may always preserve in us great reverence and obedience to the Lord. Glory to You alone!
