Wisdom Study Session 7: Those who "Fear of the Lord" Focus on Knowing God's Ways

Another key aspect of fearing the Lord is actively, intentionally, seeking to know His ways.  That is consistent with our working definition of “fear of the Lord”—living a God centered life. We focus our energy on what we are centered on.

The two primary passages on this are Proverbs 2:1-5 and Sirach 14:20-15:1.  Although they speak in terms of seeking after wisdom, that is the same as seeking after God. As we shall explore in a later post, wisdom is an analog of Jesus, and since Jesus is fully God, seeking after Him is seeking after God.

All right then, what do Proverbs 2:1-5 and Sirach 14:20-15:1 tell us to do to learn about God? Three things.

First, we must concentrate on it. This is not a casual, do it when its convenient, inquiry. We must be willing to alter our day-to-day routine. These passages direct us to “turn [our] ear[s],” “apply [our] heart[s],” and  “fix [our] gaze” upon the subject. We must move from where we are to where God is, getting close enough to figuratively peep through His windows, listen at His doors, and be in His shadow. This focused, intentional, inquiry must be a priority.

Second, once we’re there, we must exert serious, and continuing, effort to gain knowledge about God. We are to  “look for it as for silver,” search “for it as for hidden treasure,” and purse it “like a hunter.”

Third, we have to be humble enough to ask for His help. We must “call out for insight 
and cry aloud for understanding.”

That is not easy, but it is essential. Sirach 15:1 tells us that “[w]hoever fears the Lord will do this, “ and Proverbs 2:5 promises that those who do so “will understand the fear of the Lord
 and find the knowledge of God.”

Those principles still apply.

We too must concentrate our efforts to know God. Jesus tells must be confine ourselves to His narrow path, Matthew 7:13-14, Luke 13:22-24, and to be willing to give up other things. Matthew 13:44-46. Paul wrote that we must be willing to leave our old ways behind in order to focus on God. Philippians 3:8.  Peter also recognized that reality. 1 Peter 4:1-4.  This is a prioritized, focused, pursuit.

We too must work hard at the process, sticking with it over time. Jesus told us that we must be persistent in our efforts. Luke 11:5-13, Luke 18:1-8. Paul also described the continuing effort involved, Philippians 2:12-13, 3:12-14. The writer of Hebrews 12:7-13 did too. James 1:22-25 warns us against “listening and forgetting,” and therefore directs us to “look steadily…and keep[] to it.” (NJB).

And we too must ask for God’s help. Jesus tells us that God will be “give the Holy Spirit to those who ask," so we should ask, seek, and knock on God’s door.  Luke 11:9-13, Matthew 7:7-8. St. Paul similarly told us that God will respond to such prayers and petitions. Philippians 4:6-7. We see the same advice in Hebrews 4:14-16 and James 1:5.