Have you ever felt like life is full of choices, but you are not sure which way to go? We all want to be smart about our decisions, whether it is picking a job, handling money, raising kids, or just getting through a tough day. The book of Proverbs in the Bible cuts straight to the heart of it. It says real wisdom does not start with more education, experience, or clever tricks. It starts with something deeper.
Proverbs 1:7 puts it plainly: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (ESV)
And again in Proverbs 9:10: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” (ESV)
So what does “fear of the Lord” even mean? For a lot of us, the word “fear” sounds scary, like being afraid of punishment. But in the Bible, it is more about deep respect and awe. Think of it like standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon or looking up at a starry sky on a clear night. You feel small, but in a good way. You realize there is something much bigger and more amazing than you.
The “Lord” here is God, the Creator of everything. Fearing Him means recognizing He is holy, powerful, and in charge. It means honoring Him as the One who made you and knows what is best for your life. It is not cowering in terror, but living with reverence that shapes how you think and act.
Why is this the starting point for wisdom? Because if we skip it, we are building our lives on shaky ground. We might rely on our own smarts or what the world says is clever. But Proverbs warns against that. In Proverbs 3:7, it says, “Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.” (ESV)
When we think we have it all figured out without God, we miss the big picture. True wisdom comes from Him. Proverbs 2:6 tells us, “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (ESV)
Starting with the fear of the Lord changes everything. It teaches us humility, which opens the door to real honor. Proverbs 15:33 says, “The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” (ESV)
In everyday life, this looks simple but powerful. It means starting your day thanking God and asking for His guidance. It means choosing honesty at work even when no one is watching, because you respect Him more than quick gains. It means forgiving someone who hurt you, not because it feels easy, but because God commands it and you want to please Him.
I have seen this play out in my own life and in others. When we ignore God and chase our own plans, things often fall apart. But when we put Him first with that healthy reverence, decisions get clearer, relationships get stronger, and peace shows up even in hard times.
If you want a life full of real wisdom, not just surface smarts, start here. Build on the fear of the Lord. It is not a burden. It is the foundation that leads to insight, joy, and a life that truly matters.
What about you? Where can you add a little more reverence for God today? Try it, and watch how it changes things.