The opening pillar in God’s Gift of Wisdom: Using God’s Counsel To Your Advantage is the fear of God. The author presents this pillar as the starting point of all wisdom, drawing attention to the truth that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” Before a person can be established in wisdom, there must first be a healthy respect and reverence for God.
The connection between Fear of God and Wisdom is one of the central teachings of the book. The author explains that wisdom begins when a person chooses to honor God, treasure His commandments, and place Him first in life. This reverence creates a foundation upon which all the other pillars of wisdom can be built.
The book teaches that to fear God is to revere Him and His commandments. It is a sincere respect for who God is and a desire to walk according to His counsel.
The author encourages believers to:
Through this attitude of reverence, believers begin to grow in wisdom and draw closer to God.
The relationship between Fear of God and Wisdom is not based on fearfulness but on honoring God and recognizing His authority in every area of life.
The first reason the author gives for fearing God is to obtain mercy.
According to the book, God’s mercy is extended toward those who fear Him. Mercy is described as one of the greatest treasures because it brings forgiveness, compassion, and favor. The author reminds readers that it is through God’s mercy that people are able to repent and believe the gospel.
When believers maintain a reverent attitude toward God, they learn not to take His goodness for granted. Instead, they remain thankful for His mercy and continue seeking His guidance.
This teaching shows how Fear of God and Wisdom work together. Wisdom begins when a person understands the value of God’s mercy and responds with humility and gratitude.
The second reason to fear God is to obtain eternal life.
The book explains that those who truly love God will desire to keep His commandments. Eternal life is connected to knowing God and Jesus Christ. The author points to the promise that the fear of the Lord is a fountain of life that helps believers depart from the snares of death.
The message is clear: a person who reveres God seeks His will and accepts His gift of salvation. This reverence strengthens faith and encourages obedience.
Through Fear of God and Wisdom, believers learn that eternal life is not merely a future promise but a relationship with God that begins now and continues forever.
The third reason the author gives for fearing God is that it prolongs days.
The book teaches that those who listen to God’s counsel and walk according to His wisdom are blessed. The author encourages readers to appreciate each day and focus on the positive aspects of life while serving others and bringing glory to God.
Rather than living only for themselves, believers are called to use their time wisely and remain faithful to God’s direction. The fear of God helps them avoid careless choices and remain attentive to His guidance.
This aspect of Fear of God and Wisdom demonstrates how God’s counsel influences daily living and encourages a life that honors Him.
The fourth reason to fear God is prosperity.
The author explains that prosperity is connected to obedience. When believers follow God with their whole heart, they may prosper spiritually, physically, and financially. The book emphasizes that faithfulness and good works are important parts of this process.
Several lessons are highlighted:
The author also points to the example of Israel, noting that the people prospered when they served God sincerely and experienced difficulties when they turned away from Him.
The first pillar serves as the foundation for all the others. Without reverence for God, the pursuit of wisdom cannot truly begin. The fear of God prepares the heart to receive knowledge, understanding, judgment, righteousness, power, and faithfulness.
The teaching of Fear of God and Wisdom reminds believers that true wisdom is not gained through human effort alone. It begins by honoring God and trusting His counsel.
In God’s Gift of Wisdom, the fear of God is presented as the beginning of wisdom because it leads believers toward mercy, eternal life, prolonged days, and prosperity. Through reverence, obedience, and a sincere desire to honor God, believers can establish a strong foundation for their walk with Him.
The message of Fear of God and Wisdom is simple yet powerful: when God is first in our lives, His counsel guides our steps, strengthens our faith, and leads us in the paths of wisdom.
