Proverbs 1:7

Proverbs 1:7

Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Fearing God begins with knowing who he is and who we are. He is powerful and mighty, yet loving and merciful. He is the maker of the heavens and earth—and us! Therefore true knowledge begins with humility and respect for our Creator. Wisdom comes when we trust God’s instructions for how to view the world and ourselves. Proverbs 1:7 describes as “fools” those who believe their own wisdom and insights are better than God’s. This thought sets the stage for the rest of the book of Proverbs, which contrasts the joy of trusting and following God’s way with the sorrow that comes from trusting our own way.