Foundation of Wisdom

I thank the Lord for my dad. He was a wise man, and I learned many valuable life lessons from him. He left school when he was in the 7th grade to help provide for his family, so his wisdom didn’t come from his education; it came from his experiences and his love of God’s word.

King Solomon, the world’s wisest man, wrote an entire book on wisdom, the book of Proverbs. And he set the premise in the very first chapter.

“These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. ² Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. ³ Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. ⁴ These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young...⁷ Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Proverbs 1:1-7 NLT

The word “fear” in verse 7 can also be translated as reverent worship, awe of greatness, and respect. Our foundation for wisdom comes when we reverence and respect God’s word.

I read a quote that went something like this, the foundation of wisdom is knowing how to tell that you are totally clueless, lost and in need of assistance. That pretty much sums up our need for God and His direction.

This teaching on wisdom came as I meditated on Psalm 111 this morning all the while making a correlation with yesterday’s words from Paul, telling us that we are God’s inheritance and that Christ fills those of us who trust in Him.

If we truly believe that we are wise.

“Praise the Lord!
I thank the Lord with all my heart
    in the assembly of his good people.
² The Lord does wonderful things,
    more than anyone could ask for.
³ The things he does are great and glorious!
    There is no end to his goodness.
⁴ He does amazing things so that we will remember
    that the Lord is kind and merciful.
⁵ He gives food to his followers.
    He remembers his agreement forever.
⁶ He has shown his people how powerful he is
    by giving them the land of other nations.
⁷ Everything he does is good and fair.
    All his commands can be trusted.
⁸ His commands will continue forever.
    They must be done with truth and honesty.
⁹ He rescued his people and made his agreement with them forever.
    His name is awesome and holy.
¹⁰ Wisdom begins with fear and respect for the Lord.
    Those who obey him are very wise.
    Praises will be sung to him forever.” Psalm 111 ERV

The book of James says: “If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking.” James 1:5 CEV

As parents and grandparents, we are not limited by our education or lack thereof. We can receive wisdom and share it with those we love by teaching them a love for God’s word and a respect for the Lord.

That is the foundation of wisdom.