Day 1: The Beginning of Wisdom
Text: Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Wisdom is one of the most sought-after virtues in human life. People go to school, read books, and attend seminars in search of it. Yet, the Bible reveals that the true starting point of wisdom is not in academic achievement or worldly experience, but in the fear of the Lord. Solomon begins the book of Proverbs with this foundation because everything else in life — decisions, relationships, success, and even survival — depends on having a right relationship with God. Without this reverence for God, knowledge becomes shallow, and man’s intelligence turns to pride.
The phrase “fear of the Lord” does not mean being terrified of God, but rather having deep reverence, awe, and submission to His authority. It is the recognition that God is holy, righteous, and sovereign over all things, including our lives. The one who fears God understands that He sees every action, hears every word, and knows every thought. Therefore, such a person lives in constant awareness of God’s presence and seeks to please Him in all things. This fear becomes the foundation of moral integrity, humility, and discernment.
In contrast, the Bible says that “fools despise wisdom and instruction.” A fool in the biblical sense is not an unintelligent person, but one who deliberately rejects God’s guidance and resists correction. Foolishness is rooted in pride — the refusal to be taught or corrected. Such individuals prefer their own opinions to divine truth and end up destroying themselves by their own stubbornness. Solomon contrasts these two attitudes to show that the difference between the wise and the foolish is not intelligence but humility — the willingness to listen, learn, and obey God.
The fear of the Lord therefore shapes not only what we know but how we live. True wisdom is moral, not just mental. It goes beyond intellectual reasoning and becomes evident in one’s choices, speech, and character. A person who truly fears God will depart from evil, walk humbly, and pursue righteousness even when it is inconvenient. This kind of wisdom cannot be taught in a classroom; it is born from a heart surrendered to God.
In everyday life, the fear of the Lord should govern our decisions. Before making plans, we ought to acknowledge God’s authority and seek His guidance. Proverbs 3:5–6 reinforces this when it says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” The wise man or woman submits their understanding to God, knowing that human reasoning without divine direction leads to error. Wisdom, therefore, is not how much you know but how much you depend on God.
One practical way to grow in wisdom is to remain teachable. A humble person accepts correction — whether it comes through God’s Word, through a teacher, or through life’s experiences. Even rebuke, when received rightly, becomes a stepping stone to growth. Those who fear the Lord value correction because they know it is one of God’s tools for shaping the heart. As Proverbs 12:1 puts it, “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.”

Psalms 122:1

Matthew 24:35

THEME: when obedience starts with you: doing what God commands before others respond

Theme: WHEN OBEDIENCE START WITH YOU: DOING WHAT GOD COMMANDS BEFORE OTHERS RESPOND.

WHEN I AM OFFENDED
MATTHEW 15:15-17

FORGIVENESS (Matthew 6:15-16)

Responding to God's great love by loving others sacrificially (1 John 3:16-17)

When faced with uncertainty and challenges, TELL IT TO JESUS