The fear of the LORD and the knowledge of God are often misunderstood concepts among Christians. When people hear “fear,” they might instantly think of a bogeyman in the dark. Similarly, the knowledge of God can seem like some unreachable thing. However, both of these ideas are simpler than they seem.
The fear of the LORD means having the proper amount of respect for God. It’s recognizing His ability to give and take life, bestow blessings, and handle anything else you can think of. The knowledge of God, on the other hand, is just His word.
Proverbs 2:5 states, “Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.”
Now that we understand this, what can we do to obtain them? Proverbs 2:1-4 provides the answer:
1. Embrace God’s Word
Proverbs 2:1: “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee.”
Embracing God’s word means you are open to it. You are willing to listen and read. You come to the preaching of God’s word with a pen and an open heart. Anyone can do this, even a young child. Sadly, many people don’t approach God’s word this way. They come with their mind made up of what they are and aren’t going to follow.
2. Seek Understanding
Proverbs 2:3: “Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding.”
Next, you must ask for understanding. This means asking God to help you take His word and apply it to your life. Use it for direction. Know which step to take next because you are using God’s word to guide you. This is more than just listening to God’s word. This is expecting to get something you can apply from God’s word and actively praying for wisdom from God.
3. Treasure God’s Wisdom
Proverbs 2:4: “If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures.”
You must put a high value on God’s word. How much value? Above money and resources. You must crave it, desire it, and search for it like hidden treasure. It’s like having a million dollars hidden in your house and needing to find it. If you reach this point it is because you have tested God and His word multiple times and have seen how good He is. So you seek more of it!
By following these steps, you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
