stephen R Harrison

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. -Proverbs 1:7

There is a big difference in wisdom and knowledge. When my dad taught me to shoot a gun, I learned the basic mechanics of how guns work. Bullets, firing pins, and gunpowder are one thing; gun safety and human life are another. Those are matters of wisdom. I learned important lessons about carrying a gun on a hunt when walking in the woods with a friend and ensuring it was unloaded before climbing into and out of the stand. Knowing how a gun works was knowledge, but wisdom was needed to ensure safety and future. 

Solomon began Proverbs by reminding us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7). I’ve noticed some guys, as I am one, tend to pretend they know it all even when they don’t. My son is quick to say, “Dad, I’ve got this,” or “I know, I know, I know” when I instruct or correct him. Like father like son. Solomon reminds us that the beginning of knowledge is the fear of the Lord. He’s the beginning of everything (remember Genesis 1?). This isn’t being afraid but in awe of the One from Whom all knowledge comes and relying on Him for everything. Solomon was talking about a relationship with God, making Him first in all things. I mean, isn’t it good to go to the Source for everything? I’m not one to usually read instructions first, but wisdom has taught me they are there for a reason. When I’ve messed up stuff, I usually humbly ask, “Now, where did I put those instructions?”

For us to learn anything, we must first listen. Listening is the first step to knowledge. Letting it sink in that “God is always right, and I am not” is where the wisdom part comes in. It’s not enough to say, “I know, I know, I know.” Obedience is the first step towards wisdom. I want to be a man of wisdom, dealing rightly with my marriage, family, friends, career, and calling. Proverbs 1 goes on to remind us wisdom comes from listening to those who know better than us (8-9), staying away from evil and making the right choices (10-19), and listening and obeying God’s voice of wisdom when it calls out (20-23). The consequences (24-33) for ignoring and abandoning God’s wisdom are horrible, “For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them” (33a). Be a man of wisdom because “Whoever listens to me (God) will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm” (33b). Wisdom begins with a relationship with God. How’s yours?

Questions to Ponder

How would you contrast wisdom and knowledge?

Where do you need more of God’s wisdom?

What verse stands out the most to you?

What other questions came to mind?

Actions to Take

What godly and wise man could you approach that could help you on your journey to biblical manhood? 

What specific decisions are you presently facing that need God’s wisdom? What’s God’s next step? 

Scriptures to Read

Proverbs 2:6, 4:7, 11:2, 16:16, 17:28, 31:30

Prayers to Pray

God, help me to operate in your wisdom. I want to develop a more profound holy fear of the Lord. I desire to receive and obey biblical insight and instruction in all areas of my life. Mold me into a Proverbs man.