Daily Devotional | Fear of the Lord, Wisdom, and Shalom

When our children were younger, we designed “treasure hunts” for them. One clue would lead to another as they scampered through the house and yard. At the end, they would find candy, coloring books, art supplies, or some other reward. They were as thrilled as if they’d found a chest of pirate gold!

In the book of Proverbs, we learn that wisdom is far more valuable than any treasure. We should search for it, like those children, with expectant eagerness (vv. 1–4). We need to be teachable, open-minded, and attentive. We should also be responsive and ready to apply whatever we learn. Eagerness is seen in the crying aloud and in the comparison to searching for hidden treasure.

What will we find (vv. 5–8)? The fear of the Lord and related blessings. In this passage, the fear of the Lord, knowledge, wisdom, and understanding are all intertwined and interrelated. All of them come from the Lord. He also blesses the upright, is a shield to the blameless, guards the way of the just, and protects the way of the faithful. When God gives wisdom, these blessings come with it. When we seek wisdom, we’re seeking the fear of the Lord as well.

How will we benefit (vv. 9–11)? In addition to the above, we’ll gain discretion and the ability to make wise decisions. We’ll understand which path is the godly one. Wisdom, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord will be “pleasant to your soul.” Why? Because it is delightful to be in close communion with the awesome Giver of all wisdom. We call this shalom, a word meaning peace, blessedness, and overall well-being.

No wonder Proverbs says that the fear of the Lord is a “fountain of life” (14:27) and further teaches: “The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble” (19:23).