A Wise Fool – Part 1: Fear vs. Despise

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

Proverbs 1:7 presents a contrast between the attitudes of the wise and the fool, using two key words—fear and despise—to define how they respond to God and His instruction.

The Wise:

The wise person begins with a healthy fear of the Lord. In Hebrew, fear (yir'ah) refers to reverence and deep respect for God. It’s an acknowledgment of God as Creator and Lord over all things. This fear is the foundation of true knowledge and wisdom. To fear God means to honor His will above our own, trusting that His ways are higher than ours. The wise embrace instruction and correction, viewing them as tools for growth and transformation. Humility before God is the starting point of wisdom.

The Fool:

The fool, on the other hand, rejects this fear and despises wisdom. To despise (bazah) means to scorn or reject something valuable. In the Bible, fools (eviyl) are not just those who lack knowledge—they actively reject God's wisdom and instruction. This rejection comes from pride and a refusal to submit to God’s authority. The fool is characterized by self-reliance, stubbornness, and an unwillingness to be corrected. They not only ignore instruction, but they also scorn it, believing they know better. This leads to poor decisions and negative consequences.

Practical Takeaway:

“How does God want me to handle this?” Pausing to ask this question helps align our hearts with God’s wisdom and invites Him into our daily decisions.

Prayer:

Abba Father, give me a heart that values Your wisdom and embraces Your correction. Help me to fear You in a Godly way, acknowledging Your lordship in all things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.