WE LIVE in a now-four-century progressive arc of time in which information has become the modern foundation of all first-world human endeavor. Beginning with the Age of Enlightenment and proceeding with a dizzying kaleidoscopic blur into the current Age of the Internet, the knowledge of facts has been wedded to application in an unprecedented volcanic eruption of human achievement. This magma flows throughout every area of human endeavor, from medicine to philosophy and from arts to science. We can surgically alter the human genome with CRISPR, and alter the interaction of DNA and RNA in the womb, but there is an apparition of the superhuman specter lurking just beyond. We have split the atom, the basic building block of matter, and feel a resultant collective manifest destiny to conquer the cosmos.
Paul addresses the issues of overweening human pride, saying “We all possess knowledge. But knowledge puffs up.” (1 Cor. 8:1) While his primary point is to emphasize the greatest command (cf. Matt. 22:37-39), he unambiguously continues, “Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know.” (1 Cor. 8:2) Seen from a biblical worldview, mankind seems to be re-creating the ancient Tower of Babel, where God confounded mankind’s hubris and frustrated their every effort. God’s voice, speaking through Daniel, softly but ominously echoes throughout the stony labyrinth of human history and forward through the corridors of time: “Roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.” (Dan. 12:4) Viewed from a capital punishment death-row perspective, perhaps we are set to *“ride the lightning.”
Accumulated knowledge has given us a staggering amount of information about the multiplicity of the facts regarding the known universe. It does not, however, give us an adroit comprehension of the purposes of creation. Understanding may give us the ability to use knowledge, but sets no moral or ethical boundaries around such use. Most of the world has always looked at knowledge and its uses from the standpoint of application. We grab hold of knowledge, and then in every way imaginable make it do something that benefits us.
There is a far-different perspective about knowledge that comes to us from a spiritually enlightened biblical worldview. Hear the words of Solomon: “The proverbs are for gaining wisdom.” (Prov. 1:1-2) He teaches us to “Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” (Prov. 4:7) The wisdom that he speaks of is that of gaining a right discernment of God’s character and attributes, and therefore of God’s truth. And so Solomon says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” (Prov. 1:7a) And less we miss the serious nature of this counsel, he warns, “But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Prov. 1:7b)
Solomon’s proverbs help to guide us in moral and ethical behavior. They are suitable “for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair.” (Prov. 1:3) They are suitable for “giving prudence to those who are simple” and can add “knowledge and discretion to the young.” (Prov. 1:4) And they are suitable for life-long counsel, so that those who desire to grow in wisdom can continue to “add to their learning” and to “get guidance for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.” (Prov. 1:5-6)
Our pre-incarnate Christ is revealed in the Proverbs. During the works of the Father in creation, Jesus “was constantly at his side, filled with delight day after day, rejoicing in his presence and delighting in mankind.” (Prov. 8:30-31) The Lord’s voice speaks often in the Proverbs. Foreshadowing Jesus first incarnate ministry words of “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matt. 4:14), here he says, “Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings.” (Prov. 1:22) One of Jesus’ most severe teachings is, “Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.” (Luke 12:5; cf. Matt. 10:28) This teaching is presaged in the Proverbs, which say “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.” (Prov. 9:10-11) This is a theme that permeates the Proverbs: “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.” (Prov. 14:27)
John warns of the seductive power of worldly thoughts and desires. “Do not love the world or anything in the world. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.” (1 John 2:15-16) Proverbs offer us a very different path. “Does not wisdom call out? At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, beside the gate leading into the city, she cries aloud: ‘To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.’” (Prov. 8:1-4) Those who listen and act upon what they hear receive a reward. “The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” (Prov. 19:23)
Q. Do my choices in life show the fear of the Lord?
*An anecdote for execution by electrocution.
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