Walking in Wisdom: The Beginning of True Understanding
Pastor Victoria Sowell
In a world overflowing with knowledge, information is everywhere. From self-help books to leadership podcasts, the answers to almost anything are just a click away. But does knowledge alone lead to the life we truly desire? True wisdom is something deeper, something more transformative. And understanding where it begins is the key to walking in it daily.
The Starting Point of Wisdom
The book of Proverbs, written primarily by King Solomon, is a poetic collection of insights that contrast the way of the wise and the foolish. Right from the start, Proverbs 1:7 declares, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." This phrase is repeated again in Proverbs 9:10: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
This tells us something essential: wisdom doesn’t begin with information, but with love and reverence for God. To be wise is not just to know things, but to live in a way that reflects a deep respect and surrender to God’s ways.
The Information Age vs. True Wisdom
We live in an age where information is at our fingertips. Google, Siri, and social media offer endless opinions on every topic. But information is not the same as wisdom.
Take sourdough baking, for example. Searching for the best way to make a perfect loaf brings up thousands of results, each with a different technique. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to know which one is actually best. The same is true in life. We can have endless knowledge, but that doesn’t mean we always know the right thing to do.
Knowledge tells you how to do something. Wisdom tells you whether you should.
This is why Proverbs places such an emphasis on the fear of the Lord as the foundation of wisdom. Wisdom is not about how much we know, but about who we know. Walking in wisdom starts with knowing and honoring God.
What Does It Mean to Fear the Lord?
The word fear in this context doesn’t mean terror or dread. 1 John 4:18 tells us, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear." The Hebrew word used in Proverbs, yirah, means awe, deep reverence, and surrender of will. It’s the act of recognizing God’s greatness and responding with submission.
Think of standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon or watching the ocean during a storm. There’s a sense of awe, of realizing you are in the presence of something far greater than yourself. That’s what it means to fear the Lord—not running in fear, but standing in reverence and surrendering to His authority.
To walk in wisdom, we must start by acknowledging who God is and submitting to His ways. Proverbs 9:10 says, "The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." The truly wise are those who recognize their need for God and seek Him first.
The Desire for Wisdom
Proverbs 4:7 tells us, "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding."Why? Because wisdom shapes our relationships, decisions, and legacy.
Solomon, the author of Proverbs, is an example of someone who deeply desired wisdom. In 2 Chronicles 1:7-12, God appeared to Solomon and offered to give him anything he asked for. Solomon’s request? Not wealth, not power, but wisdom. And because he asked for wisdom, God gave him everything else as well.
Solomon understood that wisdom was the foundation of a successful and righteous life. He knew that if he had wisdom, every other blessing would follow.
Living Wisely in a Foolish World
We live in a culture that often values personal truth over God’s truth. People follow their own desires rather than seeking God’s wisdom. But Proverbs 14:12 warns, "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death."
The world tells us:
"Do what feels right." But Proverbs 10:9 says, "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out."
"Follow your heart." But Proverbs 23:19 says, "Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way."
"Chase success at all costs." But Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."
Wisdom isn’t just about making smart choices—it’s about aligning our lives with God’s truth, even when the world says otherwise.
A Call to Seek Wisdom
So, how do we begin walking in wisdom?
Seek God first. Wisdom starts with knowing Him, revering Him, and surrendering to His will.
Stay teachable. Proverbs 1:5 says, "Let the wise listen and add to their learning." The wisest people are those who are always learning and growing.
Surround yourself with godly counsel. Proverbs 13:20 says, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."
Trust God’s timing and plan. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
As you seek wisdom, remember that God is generous to those who ask for it (James 1:5). He desires to lead and guide you in every decision, both big and small. The beginning of wisdom is not found in more knowledge, but in a heart fully surrendered to God.
Further Reading
"The Fear of the Lord: The Key to Wisdom" – Desiring God
"Seeking God's Wisdom" – Christianity.com