#1331. Proverbs 9:10-12 – Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom (18/8/25)

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

Today, in Proverbs 9:10–12, we reflect on one of the key themes of the whole book: true wisdom begins with a right fear of the Lord.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below. 

i. Fear of the Lord: Misunderstood but Central

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” is probably the most well-known phrase in Proverbs—and arguably the most misunderstood.

Many assume that fearing God means living in constant dread of His wrath, anxiously doing good works in the hope that He’ll accept us in the end. With that mindset, it's understandable why people might avoid seeking more of Jesus. Who wants a life shaped by fear and anxiety?

But that’s not what Scripture means.

As we reflected on back in Proverbs 1:7 (Devotional #3), the Hebrew word yirah covers a spectrum—from terror to reverence. Fear, in this context, means to treat something or someone with the respect they deserve. It’s shaped by the nature of the one we fear.

You don’t fear crossing the road in the same way you fear standing before a lion. Nor do you fear a stranger as you do a loving parent. Likewise, to fear God rightly is to approach Him with reverent awe, shaped by who He has revealed Himself to be. That’s true worship.

ii. Knowledge of the Holy One

The second phrase, “knowledge of the Holy One is understanding,” helps explain the first. Right fear of God flows from knowing Him. If we live in constant anxiety about God’s attitude toward us—or if we’re overwhelmed by fear about our lives and the world around us—it may reveal that our view of God isn’t shaped by true knowledge of Him. It’s a misplaced fear. We need to let Scripture, not our feelings or the world around us, shape our understanding of who God really is.

iii. True Understanding = Applied Wisdom

In Proverbs, understanding and wisdom are inseparable. Wisdom isn’t just knowing the right things—it’s applying them. It’s possible to be full of biblical knowledge and yet live unwisely. We all know Christians who know the Bible well, but their lives are full of chaos: relational tension, ongoing financial crisis, instability in the home, divisions in the church. Wisdom means living out what we know. We only truly understand something when it shapes the way we live.

iv. The Foundation of Wisdom

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning…” This is the foundation.

It’s like the alphabet: without it, we can't read. In the same way, without knowing and revering God, we can't live wisely. Everything flows from this starting point.

In a very real sense, only those who know and fear God can be truly wise.

In response: 

• Do we fear God as we should?

• Is our relationship with Him shaped by truth or by assumptions, emotions, or bad teaching?

• Are we getting our view of God from Scripture—or from the world, our feelings, or dodgy websites?

• Are we living wisely, putting truth into practice?

• Do we say we believe God is loving, holy, forgiving, and in control—but then live like He isn’t?

Verse 12 gives a sobering reminder of personal responsibility:

Each of us is responsible for how we respond to God’s call to wisdom. But we’re not left alone—God is willing to help all who are willing to listen.

Let’s pray together:

“Father, help me to fear and know you as you want me to. Lead me in your truth and teach me. Open my eyes to your Word. Jesus, help me to truly understand you, Jesus, as my way, truth, and life. Amen.”

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

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

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 #11: Proverbs 9:10-10:14. Leave a worthy legacy

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.