“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” — v.10

We live in a world with a great deal of knowledge but not a great deal of wisdom. So-called smart people do stupid things. David tells us the secret of wisdom and understanding in Psalm 111. Here we have three secrets of wisdom, and a person doesn’t have to go through a university to learn that.

#1. Fear God. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” This is not the fear of a slave before an angry master. This is the reverence and respect of a loving child for a loving Father—showing respect for God, His Word, His presence and His will for our lives.

#2. Obey Him. “A good understanding have all they that do his commandments.” The Word of God is given to us not just to read and study but to obey. We are to be doers of the Word, not just auditors who sit in class and take notes. When we obey God, we begin to understand what He’s doing. Obedience is the organ of spiritual understanding.

#3. Praise Him. “His praise endures forever.” Praise takes the selfishness out of our lives. It takes us away from idolatry, from living on substitute.

The more we fear Him, the more we obey Him. The more we obey Him, the more we praise Him. These are the ingredients of a happy and successful life.

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The world‘s wisdom is based on faulty foundations. Genuine wisdom begins by fearing God. You increase your wisdom as you obey His Word and praise Him. As you walk with the Lord today, do so with the wisdom that comes from fearing Him.