Danny Fourie

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge … Proverbs 1:7

The ‘fear of the Lord’ is the theme throughout Proverbs. Solomon shines this light on life in order to guide us from the cradle to the grave. Time and time again it will become clear what is written here: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." When pondering on this theme it is as if we are trying to unravel a mystery. The unravelling will come as a surprise.

Looking at the form of this proverb, it consists of two parts. The two parts can run parallel, but it can also hold an antithesis. The latter is applicable to this proverb. The antithesis underlines what Solomon wants to say, namely that true knowledge (wisdom) is a wonderful gift from God and that it is foolish to despise it.

The question that we should look at first is, what does Solomon mean by knowledge (wisdom)? Is true knowledge to have an excellent brain, a strong memory, and the ability to judge fairly? That is not true knowledge. It is a blessing if one possesses of all these gifts, but the true knowledge or wisdom is far from that. Is true knowledge the art of cunning to outsmart others? It is clear that this has nothing to do with true knowledge.

The difference between true and false knowledge is that true knowledge comes from above and false knowledge comes from below. True knowledge comes from God and false knowledge originates from the sinfulness of man. Solomon significantly calls true knowledge ‘the fear of the Lord’. True knowledge develops when we listen to what God says in his Word. True knowledge is intertwined with faith. Faith comes from or through hearing the Word of God. In the same way true knowledge comes from the Word.

When we listen to the Word of God and take it to heart, then true knowledge finds its way into our hearts. This is true knowledge and wisdom through the illumination of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the wonderful gift of knowledge that you bestow on us. Help us to accept that with joy in order to grow in our faith. Amen.