“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:1-7, NASB)

The English definition of “proverbs” is “a short, well-known, and pithy saying that imparts practical wisdom, advice, or a moral lesson based on common experience. Often metaphorical, these enduring phrases reflect cultural values and offer guidance in a memorable, simple manner.” In the biblical context, they are not just wise words to live by, but also wise words that help us live a life pleasing to God. The book of Proverbs is God’s way of saying, “Here are many ways of looking at life that please Me. If you live by them, you will be happy in this life and in life everlasting.” It says in today’s passage,

“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to discern the sayings of understanding, to receive instruction in wise behavior, righteousness, justice and equity; to give prudence to the naive, to the youth knowledge and discretion, a wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel, to understand a proverb and a figure, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

The book’s primary author is King Solomon. This makes a lot of sense if you know the story of how he became king of Israel. At the start, God granted him a wish, and Solomon asked for wisdom so that he could rule with goodness, righteousness, and justice. However, according to the New Testament, this gift is not just for kings, elites, or leaders, but for everyone who will ask for it. James 1:5 says, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” It’s as simple as that. It is as if God came to each of us, and asked, “Ask what you wish me to give you” (1 Ki.3:4).

So, if you can “ask” with your mouth, then God promises to give it to you “generously” and “without reproach.” Furthermore, this promise is not just for believers, but for “all men.” I pray that as we read through the book of Proverbs, you will learn to ask in faith without fear and to receive the wisdom we need for everything in life. You just simply need to say, “God, give me wisdom today.”

• Why do you think “fear of the Lord” is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom?
• In what area of your life do you need “wisdom” today?