Knowledge of the Holy Is Understanding
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10) (Emphasis mine.)
I have heard this verse fluffed up so much that from what I have been taught, I think it has mostly lost a huge part of what makes this fact so phenomenal.
This idea of “fearing God” has been often taught as an idea of awe… that God is so great that we think, “Wow, God! You’re great!” And that fearing God as wisdom basically means it’s wise to think He’s pretty great.
But the more that I learn about who God is, the deeper my understanding of this phrase becomes.
All That God Is… & He Is So Much More
You see, God is SO far above & beyond what we can even IMAGINE (Isaiah 55:8-9).
He created the world & everything in it EX NIHILO, meaning out of or from NOTHING (Nehemiah 9:6; Genesis 1).
He existed before time & exists out of time, knowing everything past, present, & future simultaneously & how every aspect interacts throughout the existence of time (Psalm 139:13-16).
Even the wind & the waves obey Him (Mark 4:41).
Even the demons know God & shudder (James 2:19).
The name of God holds more power than anything else (Luke 10:17).
“For by Him all things were created, in heaven & on earth, visible & invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him & for Him.” (Colossians 1:16)
God can do immeasurably above what we can ask or even imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21).
He is the great I AM (Exodus 3:14).
God Is the Great “I AM”
We don’t have to believe in Him for Him to exist & for His laws to stand according to what He says.
And THAT is just the beginning behind the WHY we ought to fear God… & why the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.
It’s a clear understanding that HE is God & I am NOT.
It’s an understanding that HE will prevail & He WILL get the glory & His plans will NOT be thwarted.
It is an understanding that only God holds the final say & will have the final word.
… That His judgements will stand, whether you agree or not.
Fearing God Is the Beginning of Wisdom
And so, having this fear (reverence, awe, & understanding that ONLY HE is GOD) & understanding that what He determines will stand… & living with that understanding… is the beginning of wisdom.
It’s a deferring to Him in everything, whether you agree with it or understand it… or not.
It’s an obedience to Him in everything, whether you think it should be done differently or believe otherwise… or not.
It’s a laying down your course of life for His will & plan.
And here is the beautiful thing… looking at the verse that follows Proverbs 9:10…
Proverbs 9:11 tells us, “For by Me, thy days shall be multiplied, & the years of thy life shall be increased.”
We Can ALWAYS Trust Him in ALL Things
In other words, fearing God is the beginning of wisdom BECAUSE God ALWAYS knows what He is talking about.
He knows EVERYTHING.
He SEES everything.
He UNDERSTANDS everything.
And His laws are perfect.
His will is perfect.
For He Cares for Us
By living for Him, we FIND LIFE (Matthew 16:25).
He came that we may have life, & to have it abundantly (John 10:10).
He came to save us from our sin (John 3:16-17).
He paid our debts for us, that if we just believe on Him, we are saved (Acts 2:21).
He does the work within us (Ephesians 3:20; Philippians 1:6).
He cleanses us (Revelation 21:5), heals us (Psalm 30:2), comforts us (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), binds up the brokenhearted (Isaiah 61:1), & is our loving Father (1 Corinthians 8:6), a Father to the fatherless & a Defender of widows (Psalm 68:5).
Stepping Out in Faith… A Prayer of HOPE
Sometimes it may feel like real FEAR… that we feel like, “I don’t know God. This doesn’t make sense, because life seems to be this way instead or culture says it’s this way instead. I don’t know how to believe what You say… BUT You are God & I am not, so no matter how scary it is to step out of what seems logical to me, I will obey You as the ultimate authority above my own logic, because You alone are God. Help me to obey, even when I don’t get it. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN.”
God Is a God of PROMISE
And the same goes with God’s promises. His promises are not “this could happen” or Him saying, “I can do this” but rather, “This WILL happen & I WILL do this.”
So, when we pray, we don’t have to beg or plead or petition for God to go through with a promise… we need to CLAIM it as FACT.
Don’t pray from a position of assumed defeat, but from an understood VICTORY, when you pray God’s promises.
If anything, say, “God, please help me to REST in this PROMISE.” Or, “God, help me to see how to move forward, knowing this is Your promise.”
CLAIM His promises as FACT.
God IS Who He says He is. God DOES what He says He will.
Shine HOPE by fearing God as the the beginning of wisdom.
Coming Next Week
Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.
As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.
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A Note from Michelle:
This blog/website has been running for almost THREE years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3
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Fashion as a Force for GOOD:
Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!
Pearl Drop Hoops (India)
Removable freshwater pearl drops & classic gold-toned hoops make these Pearl Drop Hoops from India stunning enough to dress up any evening outfit, yet comfortable enough to wear every day. (Pearl shown on Long Chain Necklace-Golden (India) with Darling Charms Set charms.)
In India, poverty often leads to exploitation of vulnerable women in sweatshops. Every purchase provides these Artisans with fair wages, access to healthcare, education for their children, & care for elderly family members.
How You Can Help:
SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!
Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me to continue supporting them as well as continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win win!
