KNOWLEDGE OR WISDOM, WHICH DO YOU PREFER?

SCRIPTURE:
The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped.  
Since they have rejected the Word of the Lord, 
what kind of wisdom do they have?  
(Jeremiah 8:9)

MEDITATION:
Have you ever met someone and said to yourself, 
“That is really a smart person with a lot of wisdom”?
There are many who appear to be wise 
when measured by the standards of the world.
However, the scriptures tell us that real wisdom 
is a byproduct of fearing the Lord.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts 
have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. (Psalm 111:10)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, 
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)

Why should wisdom begin with 'fearing the Lord' 
instead of something like 'loving' Him?
“Fear of the Lord” can be confusing – what does it mean?
The word “fear” can mean anything from respect to terror.
In Proverbs 9:10, 
fear is probably somewhere in the middle of these two extremes.
It is more than respect, but less than terror.

Think about someone you highly respect.
You might have high regard for the person, 
but they do not terrify you at all.
You might feel inferior in his or her presence, 
but you are not afraid of them.
Now imagine how you would feel in the presence of the all-powerful, 
all-knowing, and all-righteous Creator, Judge and Savior of the universe.

The Bible tells us that when people enter God’s presence, 
they instinctively fall on their knees in honor, respect and worship.
“Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits 
on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall 
down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever 
and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne…” (Revelation 4:9-10)

This is a physical acknowledgement 
that God is the Creator, and they are creatures.
When man realizes (and admits) that he or she is not the Creator, 
then they know they must live their lives by the rules of the Creator, 
and not theirs.
Man should look for the Creator’s purpose for his life 
rather than choosing only the things he likes to do.
When he does, he will realize that doing things God’s way 
results in life (both now and in eternity).
In contrast, not doing things God’s way 
results in suffering (both now and in eternity).

A wise person evaluates the two options and chooses the one that gives life.
So we can surmise that the fear of the Lord, 
is the beginning of wisdom, and also life.
The fear of the Lord consists of both a reverence and respect for God, 
and a dread of the consequences when we make the wrong choice.

The Apostle Paul once asked, “Who are you, Lord?”  (Acts 22:8)
That is a question each of us has to face. 
If Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, knowing He was not, 
then He was a deceiver and the greatest liar the world has ever known. 
If He thought He was God and didn’t know the difference, 
then He was a mental case. 
But if He was who He claimed to be, 
then He rightfully deserves to be the Lord of our lives. 
What keeps us from worshipping and obeying this Christ, 
if He is who the Bible tells us He is? 

Each of us has to face the question that Pilate asked, 
“What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” 
(Matthew 27:22)
Pilate washed his hands and said he would have nothing to do with Jesus, 
but God requires each of us to make a choice; we must say “yes” or “no”. 
People can make fun of Jesus, reject Him, and neglect Him, 
or they can show wisdom and receive Him.

ACTION:
There may be many who cross your path 
who seem to be wise in the eyes of the world.
However, they may not have the kind of wisdom that the Bible recommends.
You would be wise to identify those with Godly wisdom and learn from them.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise of wisdom to those who fear 
You. I may gain a lot of knowledge in this world, but You are the only One 
who can provide true wisdom. In Your Words, I am told that I have not 
because I ask not. Lord, I am asking You to provide me with a healthy 
wisdom that benefits me (and others) both now and at the end of my earthly 
journey. I never want to be accused of rejecting the Word of the Lord. 
Lord Jesus, with so many still rejecting You, take away everything within 
me that would stop someone else from receiving You as Savior and Lord.”