The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. (Proverbs 9:10)
Yes, fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom for some, but it is not the end. Countless revival-goers began their Christian journeys after hearing hellfire and damnation sermons that literally frightened them into making confessions of faith. Others, nature-lovers at heart, gained a healthy respect for their Creator through near-death encounters with wild animals, wild seas, or wild weather. Thus, they began to possess wisdom and to grow in the things of God. But again these are only beginnings.
Once wisdom is begun in a soul, it grows, flourishes, blossoms, and bears fruit by other means. So add to fear of the LORD:
- Worship of the LORD
- Service of the LORD
- Contemplation of the LORD
- Love of the LORD
One grows to maturity of wisdom by these and other experiences.
I would argue thus: While fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom for some, that worship of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom for others, that service of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom for still others, and so on. In my own experience love of the LORD, embodied in the love given, received, and shown in my family of origin first propelled me along the pathways of wisdom, faith, hope, and love.
Yes, let’s make a good beginning in wisdom, but let’s not stop after beginning. Let’s pursue Godly wisdom throughout our lives and come, at last, to wisdom’s proper end!
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