"Wisdom Cries Out"
A Constant Awareness
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1.7)
Pharaoh aptly —albeit pretentiously— asked, “Who is the LORD that I should obey him?” (Exodus 5.2). Without an encounter with or understanding of God, one would have no reason to consider God's prerogative. But God is not without witness (Psalm 19.1; Romans 1.19-20), and to ignore his existence (with all its implications) is inexcusable (Romans 1.20b; 2.1).
“...although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools...” (Romans 1.21-22)
Many foolishly view wisdom as something progressive and fluid.. But nothing is new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1.9) meaning wisdom does not change with time, technology or human ingenuity. Instead it is governed by immutable truths from God’s word (Psalm 119.89; Proverbs 30.5; 1 Peter 1.25). Therefore, true wisdom comes from submission to the reality of an unchanging God (Malachi 3.6; Hebrews 11.6).
This is the baseline for all wisdom and faith (Hebrews 11.6). Those who fear the Lord have a constant awareness of Him, a deep reverence for Him, and sincere commitment to obey Him (Exodus 19.8; Isaiah 6.1-5).
Without the fear of the Lord, we proudly make decisions based on our faulty human understanding (Proverbs 3.5–6; 14.12). But when we allow the fear of the Lord to dictate every moment, we make decisions based upon His approval. We live with the knowledge that the Creator of the universe is intimately involved concerned with our every move. He sees, knows, and evaluates all our choices, and we will answer to Him (Psalm 139.1–4).
True wisdom is this: “fear God and keep his commandments; this is the duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12.13)
