Chatting with people at craft fairs, wellness fairs, and other meet-up situations has often resulted in someone somewhere amazed at what God has enabled us (my household) to do around house and home, and in dealing with the health and wellbeing of ourselves and our critters. I sometimes point to examples of how God gave knowledge of various inventions to missionaries we had the fortune of knowing personally, to show that we are not being treated any differently. But recent conversations so far in 2025 have had me gather various passages of Scripture, to both discuss and demonstrate that such dissemination of knowledge isn’t supposed to be an exclusive, unique, or amazing thing to those who have accepted the Risen Saviour and walk in His ways.
So this Resurrection Sunday, let’s take a look into the pages of Scripture from a couple different translations, beginning with a question.
How is it when we read Scriptures combining the concept of the fear of the Lord, with wisdom and instruction, that we tend to only focus on the fear? How does fear translate into knowledge?
The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Psalms 25:14 KJV***
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:7 KJV***
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10 KJV***
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Proverbs 14:27 KJV***
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Proverbs 15:33 KJV***
And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
Isaiah 11:1-5 KJV
For starters, there are two ways to interpret “the fear of the Lord”. One is trembling and being afraid, which the definition found in these passages does not entail. The other is reverence, awe, a deep respect, holding in wonder, knowing full well that outside of Christ, we are not fit to stand in the presence of the One we revere.
Notice how many of the above verses speak of the fear of God being, beginning, or enabling the teaching of wisdom and instruction and knowledge. Also note who wrote several of those verses. King Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs. He asked God for wisdom to lead the nation of Israel, and God granted his request. Let’s look at that exchange:
In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.
1 Kings 3:5-14 KJV
We often talk about the knowledge of God. We cite such verses as:
Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 2:5 KJV***
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Romans 11:33-36 KJV***
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Colossians 1:9-10 KJV
We generally, and quite accurately, define “the knowledge of God” in these verses as the knowledge of who God is, what He’s like, how He thinks and feels, what He does, His attributes, etc. However, there is more to this phrase as alluded to in some of the verses quoted above for both “the fear of the Lord” and the “knowledge of God”. This is the imparting and learning of God’s knowledge, understanding and wisdom.
It is said that the pursuit of science is the discovery of how God did things, what He created and how they work. In the discovering, we learn about who God is and what He’s like. God Himself says:
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Romans 1:20 KJV
(This verse is taken from a section of verses that speak quite harshly to the level society has fallen in our generation.)***
Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.
Isaiah 40:26 KJV
King David put it this way:
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Psalms 19:1-11 KJV
Paul put it this way:
God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
Acts 17:24-27 KJV
A healthy “fear of the Lord” includes a recognition of God in His roles as Father and Teacher.
For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
Proverbs 3:12 KJV***
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Revelation 3:19 KJV***
And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Matthew 7:28-29 KJV
What did the passage in Isaiah say of Jesus that I quoted earlier?
When we respect God enough to accept His roles as Father and Teacher, we allow ourselves to be taught and trained in God’s ways. When we humble ourselves to learn from God, we grow in knowledge and wisdom and understanding. He is able to impart to us what we need for life and godliness.
One discussion I had in the spring of 2025, really brought out the differences in worldly wisdom versus God’s wisdom, worldly understandings versus Godly understandings. The discussion was begun with explaining how my faith informs my practice as a Biblical Natural Health Coach and spread out from there. Many other “religions” claim to have knowledge of how life came to be and how mankind is to function within it. But only the One True God created everything and truly knows how mankind ticks, what he needs, and how to provide it from what God has created for our use.
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Revelation 4:11 KJV***
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.
John 1:1-4 BSB***
The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
Proverbs 3:19-20 KJV***
He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding.
Jeremiah 51:15 KJV***
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:15-17 BSB
These passages above not only speak to God’s hand in creating the world through Jesus Christ, but also state it is by God’s own knowledge and power that everything was created.
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.
2 Peter 1:3 BSBAll scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Timothy 3:16 KJV***
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.
Psalms 32:8 BSB***
Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who ignores reproof goes astray.
Proverbs 10:17 BSB
The word “righteousness” above, refers to “right living”, the ability to live, think, process, and interact with daily life in an upright manner. The knowledge of God includes what He knows and how He handles what He knows. Scripture says that we will never fully figure Him out, but regularly shares that God wants to impart His knowledge to us who choose to live uprightly.
Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
Ephesians 1:15-18 KJV***
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
James 1:5-6 KJV***
I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
Proverbs 8:12 KJV
We can ask God for wisdom, and we can pray for God to impart that wisdom to others as well. Scripture gives many precedents for the impartation of knowledge, wisdom and understanding:
Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and raise livestock. And his brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute. And Zillah gave birth to Tubal-cain, a forger of every implement of bronze and iron. And the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.
Genesis 4:20-22 BSB***
So Noah did everything precisely as God had commanded him.
Genesis 6:22 BSB***
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship. And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee; The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle, And the table and his furniture, and the pure candlestick with all his furniture, and the altar of incense, And the altar of burnt offering with all his furniture, and the laver and his foot, And the cloths of service, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest’s office, And the anointing oil, and sweet incense for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do.
Exodus 31:1-11 KJVThem hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.
Exodus 35:35 KJV***
And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.
1 Kings 4:29-30 KJVAnd he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five. And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes. And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.
1 Kings 4:32-34 KJVSo king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom. And all the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.
1 Kings 10:23-24 KJV***
To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. And Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams.
Daniel 1:17 BSB***
Listen and hear my voice. Pay attention and hear what I say. Does the plowman plow for planting every day? Does he continuously loosen and harrow the soil? When he has leveled its surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin? He plants wheat in rows and barley in plots, and rye within its border. For his God instructs and teaches him properly. Surely caraway is not threshed with a sledge, and the wheel of a cart is not rolled over the cumin. But caraway is beaten out with a stick, and cumin with a rod. Grain for bread must be ground, but it is not endlessly threshed. Though the wheels of the cart roll over it, the horses do not crush it. This also comes from the LORD of Hosts, who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.
Isaiah 28:23-29 BSB***
For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
Proverbs 2:6-7 KJV***
Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.
Daniel 2:20-22 KJV***
Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever. Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains. At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away. They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them. Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth. He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills. They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst. By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches. He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart. The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted; Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house. The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies. He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down. Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth. The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God. The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens. Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening. O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
Psalms 104:5-24 KJV
In our own home, asking God for wisdom, insight, understanding and foresight, and the discernment to know what to do when, with what means, with who, has allowed God to grant us answers to various situations where we may not have known what to do or had the means to do it if we had not asked. That knowledge and wisdom has often been brought to us through the writings of others, whether they be research papers, textbooks, historical writings, or examples from Scripture itself where we had a light bulb go on observing that if God did it with those herbs then, these herbs have similar properties to allow us to do it here, now. An example is the use of Frankincense in Scripture. Frankincense is a tree resin, and it has been researched that Fir resin has the same uses today, and it’s free to chip off the trees and clarify at home.
When we allow God to lead in our lives and in our homes, when we love and respect Him enough to be willing to humble ourselves and take instruction, amazing things happen.
May God grant you your humble request for wisdom and instruction, and may you receive it knowing God has your best interests at heart and sees the big picture.
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
1 Corinthians 2:9-12 KJV
