"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." {Proverbs 1:7}

In this world, there are two wisdom types-human and divine. Human wisdom is ever-changing as mankind's understanding, desires, and whims influence the thinking of the day. Human wisdom is vain. It appeals to our desires and wants. Such wisdom is driven by the viewpoints of the majorities that form our society. It's really a supply-and-demand system-human wisdom coordinates with what the masses demand. "But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic." {James 3:14,15}

Truly, there is a better way-divine wisdom, which comes from above.

Respect God's commandments. "He who despises the word will be destroyed, but he who fears the commandment will be rewarded." {Proverbs 13:13} God's commandments are not to harm or hurt us; their purpose is to help us live better lives. "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome." {1 John 5:3} God's commandments lead us to live upright lives, protect us, and provide us with safe refuge. They are for our own good and, in the end, help us attain a great reward! "In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death." {Proverbs 14:26,27}

Depart from the evil path. "In mercy and truth atonement is provided for iniquity; and by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil." {Proverbs 16:6} Divine wisdom helps us see the evil path for what it does-destroy our spiritual lives. Following the path of divine wisdom leads to life. "The fear of the LORD leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; he will not be visited with evil." {Proverbs 19:23} Divine wisdom exposes the evil path's purpose-to cause us to enter the broad way that leads to destruction {Matthew 7:14}. Why should God's children envy sinners? "Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day; for surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off." {Proverbs 23:17,18}

Respect God and strengthen your faith. "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" {Romans 8:31} "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith." {1 John 5:4} Many of this life's trials test the genuineness of our faith. Yet, by following the tenets of divine wisdom, one can know that his faith is secure and that his choices please God. Determination to continue in God's ways can do nothing but increase our trust in Him in everything we do. God will never turn His back on His children, and when we need Him most, He will be there for us {Hebrews 13:5,6}. God's people should NEVER lose their "fear of the Lord." (KMG)