Have you ever noticed how hard it can be to admit when you don’t know something? We often like to think we can handle things on our own—that our perspective is enough to get us through the day. But how often does that stubbornness lead us down paths we later regret? Proverbs 1:7 offers a humbling but life-giving truth: wisdom begins not with what we know, but with whom we trust.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
— Proverbs 1:7
At the heart of this verse is a powerful choice we face each day. The "fear of the Lord" is not about being scared of God, but about living with a deep sense of awe and respect for His authority. It’s recognizing that God knows more about life than we do. He sees the full picture—our past, our present, and our future—while we only catch glimpses. And if we begin with that recognition, we’re on the path to real knowledge and wisdom.
Think about it this way: to fear the Lord is to be humble enough to admit, “I don’t have all the answers, but God does.” This humility is the foundation of true wisdom. It opens us up to learning, not just from God but from others too, because we recognize that wisdom doesn’t come from pride or going our own way. It comes from being teachable.
But there’s another side to this verse. It speaks of fools—those who despise wisdom and instruction. A fool isn’t just someone who lacks knowledge; it’s someone who rejects it. Fools refuse to listen, convinced they know best, even when life is showing them otherwise. How often do we find ourselves in that place? When pride or stubbornness blinds us to advice, to the wisdom of others, or even to God’s guidance?
The contrast is clear: the wise person fears the Lord and seeks wisdom, while the fool despises it. Which path are we choosing today?
Reflection:
Think of a time when you rejected wisdom—maybe it was advice you ignored, or a situation where you thought you knew better. What happened? Now consider what it would look like to approach your life with a reverent humility, seeking God’s guidance before making decisions.
Today, let’s ask ourselves: are we starting our day with a spirit of humility, ready to learn from God and others? Or are we closing ourselves off, thinking we know best?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to live with reverence for You, recognizing that true wisdom begins when I trust in Your ways, not my own. Keep my heart open to Your guidance, and let me be humble enough to seek wisdom in every part of my life. I don’t want to be closed off or stubborn, but teachable and wise in Your eyes. Amen.
Action Step:
Today, intentionally seek wisdom in one area of your life where you’ve been resistant. This could be in your relationships, at work, or in your personal growth. Take a moment to pray for guidance and then seek out wise counsel—whether it’s from God, a friend, or someone with experience in that area.