The Fear of the LORD Is the Beginning of Knowledge

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 1:1-7. The book of Proverbs is a book of wisdom. King Solomon had received wisdom from the LORD in response to his prayer. He wrote and compiled that wisdom in the book of Proverbs. The wisdom literature in the book of Proverbs is unique from secular sources because the wisdom in the book of Proverbs begins and ends with the fear of the LORD. The proper fear of the LORD involves a right understanding of who God is, who we are, and how we stand in relation to Him. He is the Creator; we are His creatures. He is holy; we are sinners. Therefore, the fear of the LORD does involve a sense of trembling in His presence. Yet, as Christians, we also know in Jesus Christ that the one true God is also the Savior and we are those He has saved. In this way, the fear of the LORD also involves trust and love for Him. Through the hearing of His Word, He imparts to us His wisdom to those who recognize their own emptiness and desire to be taught by Him for the rest of their lives. “Wisdom and Instruction” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Proverbs. Although Proverbs is perhaps best known for its short sayings full of practical advice, the one true God has so much more in this book of wisdom. True wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD. Christians walk His way of righteousness rather than the way of wickedness because we trust that all good gifts come to us through His Son Jesus Christ, who is His wisdom made flesh for our salvation.