The Beginning of Wisdom

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
 and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
—Proverbs 9:10 (NKJV)
 
The fear of man and the opinions of others can hinder our ability to receive wisdom from God. The choice we make to follow the Lord or succumb to the influence of others determines the extent of wisdom we acquire. When we prioritize our human desire for acceptance and recognition, we forfeit God’s wisdom. Any opinion or thing that nurtures our selfishness and pride prevents us from receiving the wisdom that comes from an intimate relationship with God. 
 
If we seek God’s wisdom in our lives, Proverbs 9:10 emphasizes that the foundation is the fear of the Lord. This fear of the Lord is not about being afraid of God; rather, it involves placing a higher value on God and His Word than on the judgments, requirements, and opinions of others. To receive wisdom from God, we must humble ourselves. He resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5). Until our respect for the Lord surpasses what others believe is best for us, we cannot walk in the wisdom of God. 
 
The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.
—Proverbs 29:25 (NKJV)
 
Trusting in God’s will for your life is a sign of spiritual maturity. By relying on His wisdom over the opinions of others, you can experience life and peace (Romans 8:6). However, when you yield to the opinions of others instead of God’s purpose, you find yourself trapped in emotional bondage and limited in your potential. 
 
The fear of man will cost us God’s wisdom and, eventually, the respect of those we have tried to please. Look at Saul. He told Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I have feared the people and obeyed their voice” (1 Samuel 15:24, NKJV). Saul humbly began as king and ended his reign in pride and destruction.
 
David, however, responded to Nathan the prophet when confronted about his sin with Bathsheba. He knew God’s truth was best for his life. He repented immediately and said of God, “You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part you will make me to know wisdom” (Psalm 51:6, NKJV).  He realized that an open heart to God would bring His wisdom.
 
Jesus only listened to His Father. He disregarded the religious leaders and had no intention of appeasing them or seeking their approval. He chose to honor His Father’s will over the occasional advice of those He had called to follow Him. The emotional pressures of others didn’t sway Jesus. His joy lay in the fear of the Lord. He didn’t respond to what his eyes saw or what he heard from others (Isaiah 11:3). Jesus walked completely in the wisdom of His Father.
 
Do I walk in the fear of the Lord or the fear of man? Do I prioritize the Word, which embodies Jesus—full of grace and truth—as my utmost priority (as stated in John 1:14)? Or do I place more emphasis on what others think of me, striving to gain their approval? Yes, we all yearn for acceptance from others, particularly those we hold dear and highly esteem. However, when our desire is for God’s wisdom above all else, putting Him first is always the first step.
 
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom” Solomon wrote. “And in all your getting, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7, NKJV).  

God’s wisdom is the most important thing. Therefore, seek God’s wisdom. He generously gives it to you (James 1:5). Seek understanding how to apply and exercise it in your life.
 
“We do not cease to pray for you,” Paul said, “and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (Colossians 1:9, (NKJV). 

Fear of the opinions of others will pull you out of the will of God and His plans for your life. God’s wisdom lies in prioritizing His desires over what others perceive. 

“You ask and do not receive,” James imparted, “because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures” (James 4:3).

God desires to pour His wisdom into your life, giving you an understanding of His knowledge that transforms you from within. However, if you seek His wisdom and then squander it, prioritizing the approval of others over His will, you will miss out on its benefits.

When God’s wisdom and spiritual understanding are the primary things in your life, the opinions of others take second place to His opinion. You trust God’s truth over the opinions of others, and you walk in the fear of the Lord instead of the fear of man. 


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