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The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever (Psalm 111:10).
The Internet attributes the following statement to several individuals: We’re drowning in information and starving for knowledge. Perhaps you’ve also heard a similar statement describing contemporary life: We’re drowning in information and starving for wisdom.
The Bible contrasts the wisdom of the world with wisdom from God. Every book of the Bible provides us with wisdom from God. Yet, several Old Testament books are classified as wisdom literature. They include Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon/Song of Songs. Some add Lamentations to this listing.
Being that Proverbs contains an abundance of timeless, practical wisdom, may you find encouragement in the following nuggets of truth:
- The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverb 1:7).
- For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding (Proverb 2:6).
- How blessed is the man who finds wisdom And the man who gains understanding (Proverb 3:13).
- “For wisdom is better than jewels; And all desirable things cannot compare with her” (Proverb 8:11).
- The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverb 9:10).
- The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor comes humility (Proverb 15:33).
- How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver (Proverb 16:16).
- He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good (Proverb 19:8).
We all need wisdom for daily living. The apostle James reminds us:
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him (James 1:5).
Bible verses are taken from The New American Standard Bible, 1995.
Pastor Cecil Price
August 13, 2023