To fear the Lord is to live with a reverent awe of his infinite place and power in the world. Our understanding of God’s immeasurable character is simply the beginning of knowing him. The Apostle Paul said, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

If we studied God’s word and meditated on it day and night, we would still only begin to comprehend his greatness. Yet, that kind of thinking is the path to wisdom. If we aren’t careful, we will learn to value our own thoughts more than his. Foolish people “despise wisdom and instruction.”

Do you fear the Lord? Do you magnify him with reverent awe? 

Praying to God as your Father, knowing you are his beloved child, is good. We should rest in the knowledge that when the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom, God was inviting everyone into his presence through faith in the sacrifice of his Son. But the priests were taught to enter God’s presence carefully prepared and thoughtful about his infinite greatness. 

Fearing God is the way to approach God with a personal yet profound understanding of his infinite character. When we enter God’s holy presence with reverent awe, we can experience his will and his wisdom. When we are given God’s wisdom, we would be foolish to consider it simply a suggestion. God’s wisdom and instruction reveal his loving will for our lives. The only response is our obedience.

Good advice and careful instruction provide wisdom. Fearing God is the pathway to our best advice and our most needed wisdom.