Proverbs 1:7 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. The word "beginning" (reshith) refers to the chief principle or the first and controlling idea, rather than a stage which someone leaves behind. The fear of God is nor simply an action of the heart and mind, but it is about a right relation to God. When we have this right relation to God, then all we know about life is placed into the proper context.
This phrase can be called the motto of the wisdom writings of the Bible. It speaks to an outlook on life, and it drives our view of all other topics. Derek Kidner said of Proverbs, 'It's function in Scripture is to put godliness into working clothes; to name business and society as spheres in which we are to look for training." Understanding and applying the fear of the Lord will not simply be a nice addition to our lives. It must be the core of our lives.
Proverbs 1:7 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. The word "beginning" (reshith) refers to the chief principle or the first and controlling idea, rather than a stage which someone leaves behind. The fear of God is nor simply an action of the heart and mind, but it is about a right relation to God. When we have this right relation to God, then all we know about life is placed into the proper context.
This phrase can be called the motto of the wisdom writings of the Bible. It speaks to an outlook on life, and it drives our view of all other topics. Derek Kidner said of Proverbs, 'It's function in Scripture is to put godliness into working clothes; to name business and society as spheres in which we are to look for training." Understanding and applying the fear of the Lord will not simply be a nice addition to our lives. It must be the core of our lives.
Proverbs 1:7 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. The word "beginning" (reshith) refers to the chief principle or the first and controlling idea, rather than a stage which someone leaves behind. The fear of God is nor simply an action of the heart and mind, but it is about a right relation to God. When we have this right relation to God, then all we know about life is placed into the proper context.
This phrase can be called the motto of the wisdom writings of the Bible. It speaks to an outlook on life, and it drives our view of all other topics. Derek Kidner said of Proverbs, 'It's function in Scripture is to put godliness into working clothes; to name business and society as spheres in which we are to look for training." Understanding and applying the fear of the Lord will not simply be a nice addition to our lives. It must be the core of our lives.