Wisdom Begins with Reverence: A Devotion on Walking in Awe of God

 

Wisdom Begins with Reverence: A Devotion on Walking in Awe of God

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

— Proverbs 9:10 (NIV)

True wisdom doesn’t start with intellect or knowledge alone. It doesn’t come from reading books or gaining experience, although those things can be important. The beginning of wisdom—the foundation of a life that thrives in God’s purposes—is reverence.

Devotional Thought

When the Bible speaks of the “fear of the Lord,” it’s not referring to a crippling, terror-based fear. Instead, it’s calling us to reverence—a deep respect, honor, and awe before God’s majesty and holiness. This kind of fear draws us closer, humbles us, and leads us to understanding.

Reverence toward God means recognizing His greatness and responding with humility. It’s the acknowledgment that He is the Creator of all, and in His presence, we find the wisdom we need to navigate life.

The fear of the Lord is:

• Acknowledging God’s Sovereignty: He is the Creator, and we are His creation. Understanding this relationship shifts our perspective on everything.

• Living in Humility: Wisdom begins when we realize we don’t know everything. God’s wisdom is higher than ours, and we depend on Him.

• Being in Awe of His Holiness: The more we recognize God’s perfection, the more we understand our need for His grace. This awe leads to deeper trust and a desire to align our lives with His will.

Walking in reverence isn’t just about what we say—it’s about how we live. It’s reflected in our choices, our attitudes, and the way we treat others.

When we honor God with reverence, we begin to see the world through His eyes. We start making decisions that reflect His wisdom, not our own understanding.

Prayer for Reverence and Wisdom

Lord, I come before You in awe and reverence. You are holy, and I am humbled by Your greatness. Teach me to honor You in all that I do, to seek Your wisdom, and to walk in Your understanding. Help me to live with humility, always remembering that true wisdom begins when I submit to Your authority. May my heart remain in awe of Your power and grace, and may Your wisdom guide every step I take. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Affirmations for Walking in Reverence

“I honor God with humility and awe.”

“The wisdom I seek begins in reverence for God.”

“I trust God’s wisdom over my own understanding.”

“The fear of the Lord is my foundation for making wise decisions.”

“I walk in humility, knowing that God is greater than I can comprehend.”

Practical Ways to Walk in Reverence

1. Start each day with awe—take a moment to remember God’s greatness before rushing into your tasks.

2. Seek God’s wisdom in decisions—before acting, pause and ask, “What would God have me do here?”

3. Practice humility—acknowledge that you don’t know everything and be open to learning from God and others.

4. Honor God in your actions—treat others with kindness and respect, recognizing they too are made in His image.

5. Reflect on God’s holiness—spend time meditating on His perfection and majesty, which leads you to a deeper reverence.

Wisdom begins with reverence—a recognition of God’s awe-inspiring holiness, sovereignty, and wisdom.

As you honor God with your heart and life, He will pour out wisdom and understanding that leads to peace, clarity, and direction in every area of your life.

Reverence leads to wisdom, and wisdom leads to a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.