“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10)

In the Bible, the word “fear” does not merely mean “being afraid,” as it may literally appear in the English translation, but it encompasses reverence, love, and obedience toward God. For He is the “I AM”, the Creator of the universe, the Lord Jesus who was the Word becoming flesh, He gave up His life and was crucified to redeem us from sin. He is our Heavenly Father. 

The Book of Proverbs tells us that true wisdom begins with the fear of God. This attitude leads us to humble ourselves, acknowledge our limitations, and be willing to accept God’s guidance. When making decisions, we should first seek God’s will by asking, “What does God think?” or “Does this please Him?” — rather than relying on our own intelligence and judgment. This enables us to give thanks without pride in times of prosperity, and to trust without complaint in times of adversity, because we know that God is in control of everything. 

Fearing God causes us to live humbly (Prov. 22:4), to turn away from evil (Prov. 3:7), to hate sin (Prov. 8:13), and to walk in His ways (Deut. 8:6). This is true wisdom (Job 28:28). Therefore, true wisdom is not about reading many books, being highly intelligent, having a high IQ, or being capable in worldly matters; rather, it is to know how to fear God. 

Both King Saul and King David were anointed as kings, led armies into battle, and were supported by the people; however, their attitudes toward God determined the outcome of their lives. 

1. King Saul loved human glory and did not fear God; he was a king rejected by God. Saul started as a humble young man, but as he gained power, he gradually became proud. He valued appearances and desired human approval more than the fear of God. 

(1) In 1 Samuel 13, when Saul was at war with the Philistines, he felt the situation was dire. Instead of waiting for the prophet Samuel to arrive, he took it upon himself to offer sacrifices. This act violated God’s law, since offering sacrifices was the duty of the priest. He chose his own judgment over obedience to God’s command. 

(2) In 1 Samuel 15, it is recorded that Saul selectively obeyed God’s command based on his own preferences. God had commanded him to utterly the Amalekites and all that belonged to them. However, Saul spared King Agag and kept the best of the livestock and valuables. When Samuel confronted him, Saul excused himself, saying the people wanted to offer the best to God. To save face, he even asked Samuel to return with him so that he would be honored before the elders and the people. 

Samuel told him: “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams” (1 Sam. 15:22). This was God’s message to Saul, and also a reminder for us in church service. Saul did not truly fear God—outwardly he feared the people, but in reality he was seeking human approval, protecting his throne and reputation, and valuing his own glory above God’s commands. He acted according to his own judgment and preferences rather than seeking God’s will.  

In the end, God rejected him. He lost God's presence, leading to a tragic fate—he committed suicide and was humiliated by his enemies.  

2. King David – A man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22).   

1. He would not harm Saul (1 Samuel 24 & 26)   

   Although Saul sought to kill him, David had two chances to easily take Saul’s life, even without lifting a hand himself. Yet he overcame this temptation, saying: “The LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed.” (1 Samuel 26:9–11). This was because he feared God. 

   
   

2. He confessed and repented (2 Samuel 12:7-15; Psalm 51)   

   After David committed the serious sins of adultery and murder, the prophet Nathan confronted him. David did not shift the blame; instead, he immediately confessed and repented before God, writing Psalm 51 as a psalm of repentance. In it, he wrote, “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done this evil in Your sight -  that You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge.” (Psalm 51:4). 

3. He prepared for God’s temple with sincerity and thanksgiving (1 Chronicles 28–29)   

   David longed to build a temple for God, but God told him it would be built by his son. David did not insist or contend with God’s decision but obeyed. He devoted himself to preparing materials and carefully passed down the pattern given by God to Solomon (1 Chr. 28:11–19). He exhorted Solomon and the Israelites repeatedly to complete the temple. His mindset was: “The success does not have to be mine, as long as God’s glory is revealed.” This is an example worthy of our reflection and imitation. 

The foundation of wisdom lies in fearing God and knowing Him. The “wisdom” spoken of in the Bible can be simply understood as: to fear God, to understand His word, and to obey His teachings. This form of wisdom differs from worldly intelligence and knowledge; it is the insight needed to live a life that aligns with God's will. Only this kind of wisdom can guide us along the paths of righteousness, justice, and blessings. Furthermore, "fearing God" is not just a temporary decision; it is a lifelong commitment that lasts until the day we see the Lord face to face.