Pondering Proverbs 1:7

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV)

When I first read this verse, I immediately start judging other people’s behavior. It’s so easy to spot another person’s foolishness. I think to myself…Oh, I’d never do that…I mean, I’ve got a lot more sense.
When in reality I’ve done and still do a lot of foolish things. Oh, one more cookie won’t hurt me, or this item is on sale for half price, I’ve got to get it even though it’s outside my allotment for the day.

The foolish portion of this verse is easy for me to comprehend, because I have a lot of experience in that area. But “the fear of the Lord” stumps me and I can’t box into an absolute understanding.

I’ve been pondering over this verse for over a month. I know fear…it’s a predictable emotion which rarely disappoints and is always there when I need it. I just have to crack that door open in my mind and it rushes in to drown out all competitors.

I’ve read through the four Gospels in the New Testament, and portions of Isaiah, wanting to grasp more clearly who is the Lord. Sometimes I ponder a topic too much and realize “I don’t see the forest because of the trees.” Each verse I read captures my attention and distracts me from the essence of the fear of the Lord.

Thankfully, after months of digging, I finally surrendered it to God to grant me discernment. And of course He faithfully delivered. I was at my Great Aunt Irmarie’s home looking through old photos and there it was! I finally saw the forest in a picture of my Great Grandma Wright. She is playfully perched on all fours on a tree limb at age seventy two!

She exudes years of faithfully fearing the Lord. She lived to age 99 to see a slew of children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. I’m not even going to attempt to estimate the head count but I know it’s a slew, which is Southern for a lot.

She lived her life connected to the root of Christ, but age didn’t keep her from venturing out on a limb. Everything started and ended with prayer in her life. She exuded total dependence on the Lord through actions, words, and legacy.