Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 9:10

by David Chadwick

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”

Proverbs 9:10

As we have previously discussed during this devotional series, knowledge and wisdom are both very important themes in the book of Proverbs.

Knowledge searches out the depth of information found through experiences, and wisdom is knowing how to, with sound judgment, apply what has been learned. Knowledge comes as you quest after truth and righteousness, and wisdom lives out what you know through good choices.

Do you know the meaning of the word "sophomore"? It’s used to describe a person in their second year of high school or university, this word means “wise fool.” Often sophomores are just comfortable enough that they think they know the ropes but are still making unwise, even stupid, choices. They have a lot of knowledge but lack wisdom.

Often it takes making unwise choices to learn how to make wise ones. That's why we should always have older mentors in our lives. They often provide wisdom to help us learn things without having to make big mistakes. My oldest granddaughter once asked me how I got so wise. I’m not sure I am, but I chuckled when she asked and said to her, “By living a long time!”

So what sets apart carnal knowledge and wisdom from biblical knowledge and wisdom? Fear of the Lord and a connection to the Holy One!

Proverbs 9:10 says that wisdom begins with fear of the Lord. And knowledge, which leads to insight, must be directly connected to the Holy One, Yahweh, the one true God.

Both wisdom and knowledge, functioning together, derived from a profound love and adoration for the Lord, will allow a person to seek him fervently and to live life as God intended.

Fear the Lord. Find wisdom. Seek knowledge. Gain insight from the Holy One.

And your life should go a whole lot better!