Adaptation of CC Image courtesy of Swire on Flickr.

Proverbs 1
Author: Rob Anderson

As we begin out second time through the book of Proverbs, we gain a deeper understanding of some of the instructions we have read.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

For instance, when the writer of Proverbs writes the verse above, we are reminded of a couple of things.

First, in a book full of wisdom and guidance, it is those who are, well, foolish who ignore what is written. Truthfully, we have heard the advice given in Proverbs before, yet we still find ways to ignore their application. Wise words matter little when they are simply ink on a page. When we begin to live our lives centered on these words, it is then that we take on the characteristics of God.

Wise words matter little when they are simply ink on a page. [Tweet This]

This is the second thing that I am reminded of. God is the one behind all of these words. He is not only the “beginning of knowledge,” but also the one who gives us that very knowledge in the first place. If we seek to live a “good life,” as the writers of wisdom might say, we cannot do so without first looking to God. A good life does not come without first an understanding of the reign of God in this world.

What about you? When you hear that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, what wise words come to mind? How do you ensure these words are not just spilled ink?