It is written in Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” There is a lot of “worldly” knowledge out there, with its many inventions and technology, but very little “fear of the LORD” these days. And we wonder why the world is in such a mess?


It goes on to say in verse 11, “For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.” Personally, I think, “What good is it to have your days multiplied and the years of your life increased, if you’re going to waste them without wisdom and understanding?” Why is “the fear of the LORD” the BEGINNING of wisdom? It’s because all of God’s creation was made to follow His system of order, and once we get that part down, we can begin to operate in that system and make it work in our favor. Everyone likes favor, right? Good, I’m speaking to the right group of people then.

When we buck against God, as the rest of the world does, there is chaos and disorder. Like I said, the creation was set up to work in God’s order. Now, I don’t know many people who delight in constantly living in stress and disorder, maybe there are a few, but I sure don’t like it. When looking at lives in disorder, the one thing that sticks out to me the most, is that those people are out of step with God’s order. And no matter how hard they try to make things work right, it always backfires on them. Yes, I know the devil is out there to thwart God’s people who ARE living in God’s order, but this is different. God’s people have God’s help to overcome evil, and if they are living God’s word, then they can overcome. But people living out of order from God’s words are ALWAYS struggling.

I’ve often heard people tell me, “No matter what I do, no matter how hard I try, nothing seems to work out for me.” And that’s true, because they’re working against God’s creation! We have the Holy Bible to explain to us not only what God has created and how it works, but what He expects from us, in order to fulfill His will, and therefore live in His blessings. It’s all rather simple, really. Read and heed the instructions, and enjoy the outcome.
Now, if you go out and buy a motorhome, it comes with LOTS of instructions, and how to operate every system in it. It covers the both the 110 volt and the 12 volt electrical system, the generator, the plumbing system, water supply, waste water system, the various appliances such as the stove, furnace, air conditioners, water heater, refrigerator, microwave oven, awnings, slide-outs, etc. Add to that the manufacturer’s chassis and drivetrain instructions and maintenance schedule. You don’t just buy a motorhome and immediately go camping two hours later, for there is a lot you must learn about the use and operation of the unit. If you’re SMART, you’ll sit down first and go through all the books to familiarize yourself with how to use it. But if you’re NOT? You’ll jump in and go camping, and if you even make it to where you’re going, you’ll never figure out how to make anything work.

I’ve been an RVer for over 22 years now, and owned four motorhomes, each with their own unique personalities and equipment. I’ve counseled many RV owners on how to get this or that to work. The first thing I ask is, “Have you read the instructions?” You’d think everyone would, but the most frequent response is, “Uhhhh, no, not really.” DUH! There’s the problem! Pretty much every problem can be solved by simply reading the instructions. Sure, there are other things that aren’t always covered in the owner’s manuals, but it’s pretty rare, because the manufacturers really WANT you to get full and enjoyable use out of their products. It’s the same with God! He really WANTS you to have and enjoy an abundant life!

The Lord Jesus said in John 10:10,”The thief cometh not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; but I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” So, what’s the best way for you to live that abundant life? It’s to avoid the thief, obviously. Nobody likes working hard to earn a living, only to have everything breaking down and the thief stealing everything from you. But if you’re ignorant to how the thief works, you won’t be looking for him, nor will you be guarding your stuff as you should. You’ll just roll through life saying “Que Sera, Sera”, “Whatever will be, will be.” If it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen. Well, I don’t subscribe to that way of life. Your wisdom will determine the quality of your life.

If you want to live the “abundant” life, you need to learn how, and that takes wisdom and understanding. The Bible says “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” Without the fear of the LORD working in your life, you cannot acquire Godly wisdom, and without Godly wisdom, the devil is going to walk all over you, and steal everything you’re working for. Not good. But I’m amazed at how many people won’t bother to pick up the Holy Bible and read the instructions! If you need to read and heed the instructions to operate even a motorhome, how much more complicated is daily life? You have a devil out there working day and night to undo everything you’re working for, and you won’t bother to learn and apply God’s Word so as to defeat the devil? Now THAT my friend, is STUPID!

First off, wisdom is knowing your enemy. Wars are won and lost on the knowledge, or the LACK of knowledge of how your enemy is operating. It is written in 2 Kings 6:8-12,
8 Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp.
9 And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down.
10 And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice.
11 Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said unto them, Will ye not shew me which of us is for the king of Israel?
12 And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber.

You see, God gave Elisha, the man of God, “inside information”, telling him how to advise the king so he could save himself. And the same thing applies today. If you are a man or woman of God, the Holy Spirit will warn you of the works of the enemy so you can save yourself from the trouble. Now, you have a part in that, you must HEED the instructions of the Holy Spirit. Just “hearing” is not enough, you must “act” on what you hear, just as the above king did.

If you want to live the “abundant life”, then you must get in God’s Word, learn it and LIVE IT! That doesn’t mean you will coast through life trouble-free, because you won’t. But the listening to the Holy Spirit will save you from the majority of the snares the devil sets for you. One of the biggest problems we face is “doing it our own way”, living in disregard to God’s instructions. Even though the LORD offers us wisdom and understanding, He won’t make us TAKE it. No, we must SEEK wisdom and understanding. That’s the “beginning of wisdom”. It isn’t a “drive-thru”, it’s a way of life, day by day, month by month, year by year. You won’t get saved on one day and have the wisdom of Solomon the next. It’s a process, and it can be started and stopped. Neglecting to study and obey God’s Word stops the process, and it won’t take long before you’re wondering, “WHY is all this bad stuff happening to me?”

Wisdom is “continuing” in God’s Word, daily learning and applying it to your life. God truly wants you to live the “abundant life”, but it’s largely up to YOU. God is supplying wisdom and understanding in His Word, but YOU have to put it IN you, He won’t do it for you. Wisdom and understanding is loving what God loves, and hating what God hates, and setting the parameters of your life around His Word. This week I’ve been celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles as described in God’s Word, taking the time to spend with Him, listening to His voice, to gain MORE wisdom and understanding. I think it’s well worth my time to do so, and I think YOU would benefit immensely from taking the time to listen to Him and heed His words, as well. It really all boils down to your choice, and what you want your life to be, because God gives you the freedom to chose Him, or lose Him. Choose wisely!

Copyright 2020 Jerry Baysinger   All Rights Reserved.