THE FEAR OF THE LORD
THE FEAR OF THE LORD
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever! —Psalm 111:10
If a person does not “fear the Lord,” then can they be wise? No, not according to godly wisdom. When a person does not have a right perspective on our Lord then “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (I Corinthians 1:18). Pretty easy to know whether a person is living according to godly wisdom or worldly wisdom. It comes down to what they think about the finished work of Jesus on the cross.
“Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” —I Corinthians 1:20-25
And again, God says—
“Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.” —I Corinthians 3:18-19
And again, He says—
“We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.” —I Corinthians 2:6
Here is the contrast between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom—
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” —James 3:13-18
If “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding,” then—
- We will serve Him (I Samuel 12:14)
- We will obey Him (I Samuel 12:14)
- We will follow Him (I Samuel 12:14)
- We will worship Him (II Kings 17:34)
- We will revere Him (Psalm 102:15)
- We will hate evil (Proverbs 8:13
- We will seek His favor (Jeremiah 26:19)
- We will be encouraged (Acts 9:31)
Yes, so it is not really hard to tell if a person “fears the Lord” and is living for Him. Dear Father, may I be faithful in living for You in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. Yes, so may this be! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qt7OmLQW0uU