August 2nd, 2022 – Later Tuesday Afternoon
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” ~Proverbs 9:10
“Do not let your heart envy sinners,
But live in the fear of the LORD always.” ~Proverbs 23:17
“…but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts…” ~1 Peter 3:15a
The word used for “fear” in the first two verses here has the idea of reverence and piety. Thus, when we are told that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, we understand that having reverence for and showing piety towards the LORD provides the basis for knowing and gaining wisdom. It is a heart condition (as evidenced by the second verse) that leads to an entire worldview and lifestyle change. To live with or in the fear of the LORD means that we have a reverent attitude of Him that causes us to live in such a way that reflects our reverence of Him.
This is where the last verse above comes into play. To sanctify Christ as Lord means that we set Him apart as Master; Jesus isn’t just our Friend, our Savior, our Redeemer – no, He is also our Lord and Master…He is the One who now calls the shots in our lives. Since that is to be our perspective and attitude as children of God, do we not need to continue to seek to know Him more intimately and more fully? Knowing Him (the Holy One) more will lead to our submission to His authority as Lord more – which leads to more accurately fearing Him and living in piety towards Him…which leads to more understanding and wisdom.
Do you and I know the LORD? Is that reflected in our attitudes, our thoughts, our words, and our actions? If we know Him and are known by Him, we will give Him the reverence that He is due; if we know Him and are known by Him, we will sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts; and finally, if we know Him and are known by Him, we can rest in His perfect peace regardless of our circumstances.
My beloved brethren, let us seek Him earnestly by the power of His Spirit – in His Word, in prayer, and with His people – counting everything else as loss compared to knowing Him. Not only will we be equipped to walk in His ways, but He will lead us with the wisdom and understanding that we desperately need.