This opening sermon of *The Way of Wisdom* series frames the new year as a deliberate quest for godly wisdom, grounding that pursuit in Proverbs 1 and the central truth that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Using the image of starting in the right place to reach the right destination, the message defines wisdom not as information or intellect but as a posture of humble, worshipful submission to God—standing with one’s heart in hand before Him. The sermon contrasts this posture with foolishness, which Scripture describes as dullness, arrogance, and flippancy toward serious things, especially God’s Word. Wisdom is shown to be passed down through generations, cultivated through Scripture, personal experience, community, and the guiding work of the Holy Spirit, and applied to every area of life without exception. Ultimately, the sermon presents a clear choice: to live in reverent submission to God and grow in wisdom, safety, and life, or to reject His instruction and suffer the consequences of self-made folly.