Proverbs 1

Verse 7: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom."

I remember a comedian on TV in an interview just after he had his first child. The interviewer asked about his new role as a father. The response was meant to be funny, "I want my children to fear me," said the comedian. He went on to say that children do not need a friend, they need a daddy - and they need to have a healthy fear of their daddy.

I agree with this parenting philosophy to some degree, but what is "fear?"

I was always taught in Sunday School that "fear" meant a healthy respect for God or a reverence for God. That is exactly what I want from my children - a healthy respect. I want them to revere me as their father. Fearing God does not really mean that we are to be afraid of him - is what I was taught.

However, the more that I read the Old Testament, the more that I have come to believe that "fear" means "fear." As in, I am terrified of the consequences of disobeying God. To come face to face with God is a terrifying ordeal. What is the first word out of the mouths of mere angels? "Fear not." "Don't be afraid."

Why is the fear of the Lord the beginning of all wisdom?

I believe that we only obtain wisdom through obedience to God. Sometimes God's ways seem odd or even a little goofy. If I have no fear of God, I will obey what is convenient and disregard the rest. If I am terrified that the God of the universe has consequences for disobedience, I will obey - even the goofy things. When I obey what I do not understand, I get wisdom.

That seems to be God's way. We obey first and understand later. Do you fear God enough to obey Him? If so, wisdom will come your way.