The Beginning of Wisdom

June 22, 2020

Famously, this text says that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. This is a big claim for a book about wisdom! Let's reflect together on what it means to fear God in a healthy way, and what the fear of God can do for our faith. 

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REFLECTION

She Sits at the Door of Her House

By Nancy Gleeson

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

    and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
    if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

Folly is an unruly woman;
    she is simple and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house,
    on a seat at the highest point of the city, calling out to those who pass by,
    who go straight on their way,
    “Let all who are simple come to my house!”
To those who have no sense she says, “Stolen water is sweet;
    food eaten in secret is delicious!”
But little do they know that the dead are there,
    that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.

A proverb states a general truth or a piece of advice. Here we have the two voices of wisdom and folly. Folly calls out enticing with the pleasure of SIN AS SIN, knowing that things gained through transgression are often more sweet and pleasant than what may be rightfully obtained. We are drawn to false teachings with notions that flatter pride and give freedom to lusts BUT replace all knowledge of holy things.

However, do not overlook the connection between sin and death! 

The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.  To obey the call of wisdom is to live by yielding our deepest being to God for correction and guidance. We need to seek and pray for true wisdom, because Satan has many ways to remove our souls from Christ.  

“Heavenly Father, may our souls be so longing for everlasting enjoyment of Christ, that on earth we may live to be with Him,

and by faith, live long with Him in glory.

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