The Wise & Foolish

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Proverbs 1:7 (NIV) - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline.

In Proverbs Chapter 1 and 2, Solomon outlines the topics of wisdom and knowledge and the repercussions of not accepting God's wisdom. I use "The Message" Commentary along with various translations of the Bible, and I particularly like what "The Message" says about Prov. 1:7. 

Start with God - the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning.  Regarding Proverb 1:7.

I really got thinking about this verse. It seems so simple - if you're a believer, this verse isn't for you, right? On the contrary, I think this can speak even more to the believer than the unbeliever. Being very honest, how many times do we avoid talking to the Lord or spending time in His word because we know that we will be "called out" on an area of our life that needs changing? Maybe we faithfully spend time in His word, but we "choose" what we study so that we don't face conviction of sin. After all, who enjoys correction?

I believe the key to true wisdom and knowledge is humility. When our hearts our humbled before God, we are open to correction and change, and we desire to learn more about Him.

Bottom line...there are two options we can choose from.

Option 1: Reject God's Wisdom & Knowledge
If we remain "complacent" in (v. 32) or get comfortable with our spiritual walk, are we truly growing in Him? Keep in mind that true faith requires us to get out of the comfort zone.

Proverbs 1:27-29 (NASB) - 27 When your dread comes like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. 28 "Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but they will not find me, 29 because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord."

Option 2: Receive God's Wisdom & Knowledge
The Rewards: He promises that those who seek, listen to, and obey Him will have security, peace of mind, and protection.

          Proverbs 1:33 (NASB) - But he who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease        
          from the dread of evil.

Proverbs 2:7-8 (NASB) - 7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, 8 guarding the paths of justice, and He preserves the way of His godly ones.