Our scripture today is Proverbs 1:7 (NIV).
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs is a collection of guidance for a healthy relationship with God and each other. Here we find more logic and less emotion. While the psalms speak to our hearts and then our heads, proverbs make us think and then feel, and then hopefully, act. Unlike the “laws” of the Pharisees and scribes of Jesus’ time, these verses make us think and choose our actions based on God’s goodness rather than fear of punishment. Throughout the book there are comparisons of wisdom and foolishness, such as in today’s passage. The Filament Bible Commentary says “there is no true wisdom apart from a living relationship with God.”
Heavenly Father, we want to live in Your love and wisdom. Help us to seek true understanding, not worldly superficial opinion, and to share Your love with all Your children. Amen.
