Knowledge and Wisdom

January 1, 2011

Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is
beginning of knowledge. (NASB)

The Proverbs of Solomon is a collection of short and to the point truths that King Solomon, the son of David, put together to help his people develop the skills needed for godly living (2 Chronicles 1:11). Because the word proverb means “to be like,” this is a book of comparisons between common, yet solid images and life’s most profound truths. Here, the overall meaning of the word fear (used throughout the Book of Proverbs, especially in the first nine chapters) is reverence for God; being submissively in awe of our Creator and the truth about His sovereignty over the life of His creation (Job 28:28).

Most people, especially those who have lived enough years upon the earth, know that having knowledge certainly helps one, not only extend their life, but also helps them live it in more comfort. All of us can make statements about life and truth in the context of our experiences and the world’s view of survival, but only those who live in the truth of God’s Word have the ultimate knowledge that comes from the Creator; knowledge that will not only fill your heart with the peace and joy that only comes from knowing the Truth, but will also save you from a life of sinful living that will lead to its final consequences; unimaginable pain and suffering and eternal separation from God.
Most of us know how terrible and hopeless this world would be without Jesus’ first coming. And all Christians everywhere know how their lives were before they learned and believed in the Truth (found only in the pages of the Bible) and what incredible, never before realized insight and joy it brought them. And in my prayers for this new year, which unfortunately promises us another year of more uncertainty and doubt, is that the Son of God, the true Light of the world (John 9:5), will shine brightly in this unmanageable and out of control world to touch and give hope to the millions of people who are afraid and without hope; just as He has done for thousands of years. It is my hope that there will be many who do not know the Lord; those who are lost and hopeless and in need of a Savior, will find the peace and certainty that knowing Him brings to our lives. But it is my deepest and most profound hope that all peoples who are suffering at the hands of the worst this life can bring, will find the peace, comfort, and the abounding joy of the Lord which will ease their pain until He comes to take them Home.

A Whisper of Hope
Live to know Me...my dear child, for only by knowing Me will you find truth and life. Not knowing Me will only lead to death, never again having the chance to find fellowship with Me; the One who loves you enough to die for you. Never doubt that I Am—the Prince of Peace.

2 Chronicles 1:11, 12
God said to Solomon, “…you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge…
wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you.” (NASB)

Job 28:28
And to man He said, “Behold, the fear of the Lord,
that is wisdom.” (NASB)

John 9:5
“While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” (NASB)