#1283. Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the Lord (11/6/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs. 

Today, from Proverbs 1:7, let’s consider what it means to fear God and why it’s the key issue regarding godly wisdom

To watch this devotional, please select the link below. 

This phrase may seem strange. We spend our lives avoiding fear, so how can it be positive? We teach children to avoid fear-inducing things for a happy life. How, then, is the fear of the Lord the beginning of wisdom?

i. What does it mean to fear the Lord?

The Hebrew word Yirah ranges from terror to reverence. To fear is to have a right respect for something. For example, my children learned: “Lighters and matches never touch, they can hurt you very much,” teaching them to fear—rightly respect—fire. Teaching road safety instills a similar respect for danger. Likewise, fearing God means rightly respect and relate to Him.

ii. Fear comes in different forms.

Fear varies depending on its object. The fear of crossing a road differs from facing a lion, just as fearing a stranger differs from fearing a loving parent. Fear is shaped by knowledge. Likewise, our fear of God should be based on His character—not cowering terror, but reverent respect for the Almighty, the Judge, the Holy One who gave His Son to save us and adopted us into His family.

iii. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

True knowledge begins with knowing and rightly respecting God. Knowledge (understanding what is right) and wisdom (applying it) are closely linked. Just as a sailor needs an accurate map, we need a right view of God as the foundation for a wise life.

Do we truly fear—know and respect—God? Are we growing in understanding His character and will through His Word? Do we obey Him above all else, or do we fear other things more than God?

Let’s pray together:

"Father, help me to know and fear You as You will. Give me a greater vision of Your holiness and love, so I may reverence You above all. Holy Spirit, teach me the right fear of God, the beginning of knowledge. Amen."

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

For your diary: Our next weekend away will be 19th-21st June 2026!!

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

Week #1: Proverbs 1:1-19. The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

1. What themes stand out in this week’s section? Identify key ideas and repeated patterns. What is the focus of this section?

2. What promises does God offer, and what warnings does He give? Look for specific encouragements, blessings, or cautions in the text.

3. How does this speak into our lives today? What are the practical ways we could live this out — individually, in our families, in our community?

4. How is God calling you to respond? Consider what this means for your heart, your choices, and your direction.

5. SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How might the wisdom in this week's section of Proverbs help us to be a light for Jesus?

• Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

  
  

6. Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the 'people of peace' in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.