IntroductionBecause time is fleeting and the days are evil

we must have wisdom to make the best use of our time. (Ephesians 5:15-17)

Too many people are wasting their time in foolish pursuits which are leading them down

the road to destruction instead of Paradise (Matt. 7:13-14).

The book of Proverbs is especially helpful to get and remain on the right path for the naïve,

innocent, the wise man, & man of understanding (Pr. 1:1-6)

Gaining wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. (Proverbs 1:7)

Fear of the Lord- Beginning of Wisdom

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom &

instruction” (Pr. 1:7).

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One

is understanding”. (Proverbs 9:10)

“Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding“

(Job 28:28).

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all

those who do His commandments….” (Ps. 111:10).

Fear God- keep commands- man’s duty (Eccl. 12:13)

The Fear of the Lord Must be Taught

Just as we are not born depraved, we also do not inherit wisdom or have a fear of the Lord at

birth.

The fear of the Lord should be taught diligently from the parents and/or grandparents before it can be learned (Pr. 1:7-9; Deut. 4:9-10; 6:5-

9; 11:18-20).

Sadly, many children are being raised in day care from a very young age and are not

learning this lesson.

But even if all the parents & grandparents aren’t godly, a faithful mother and grandmother can teach a Timothy from his childhood to

become a Christian and even a gospel preacher (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15).

The Fear of the Lord Must be Taught

Children should be taught that God means what He says and will punish disobedience (Gen. 3). Parents should also mean what they say.

Brothers and sisters need to learn to not let their anger get out of control as Cain did

with his brother Abel (Genesis 4).

Even though the whole world was corrupt, Noah was able to teach his three sons who

married women who remained on the ark (Gen. 6-9; 1 Pet. 3:20).

God sent thunder and lightning on Mt. Sinai so that the fear of Him would remain with them

and they would not sin (Exodus 20:20).

Godly Fear Must be Desired & Chosen

God cannot and will not force children to obey and neither can parents. Children must

make a choice.

The child must seek for wisdom as they would for money or hidden treasures and God

promises that he will discern the fear of the Lord (Pr. 2:1-11).

If they have chosen the fear of the Lord they will hate evil, pride, arrogance, and the evil way

(Pr. 8:13).

Joshua and his household chose to serve the Lord and his generation obeyed (Joshua

24:14-15, 31).

But the next one did not know the Lord and conformed to the world’s wicked ways

(Judges 2:10).

Godly Fear Must be Desired & Chosen

But the godly will say no to the false promises of immediate rewards for bullying, stealing, drug dealing, or gambling, because it is evil

(Pr. 1:11f).

Wisdom will deliver you from the devious man who rejoices in profanity, filthy jokes, and

planning evil. (Pr. 2:12-15; 6:12-15; 10:23)

Wisdom will deliver you from the adulteress woman (flattering speech, immodest dress, perfume) whose house leads to death (Pr.

2:16-19; 7:10ff).

If you have not desired & chosen the fear of the Lord you will become worldly minded (1 John

2:15-17).

ConclusionFearing God and keeping His commands is our

duty.

If we have failed to obey the gospel we will be punished forever in hell (Matt. 10:28; 2 Th.

1:7-9).

But you can escape from the wrath of God through Jesus Christ who loved you and died

for you. (Rom. 5:8-9; Eph. 5:2; Heb. 2:9)

You must be humble enough to be taught the fear of the Lord rather than trusting in your own wisdom & being wise in your own eyes

(Pr. 3:5-7; 14:12).

Repent & be baptized so that your sins will be forgiven in view of the Judgment (Acts 2:38-

41; 17:31).