Sharper Iron — Wisdom and Instruction: The Fear of the LORD Is the Beginning of Knowledge

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 1:1-7.

The book of Proverbs is a book of wisdom. King Solomon had received wisdom from the LORD in response to his prayer. He wrote and compiled that wisdom in the book of Proverbs. The wisdom literature in the book of Proverbs is unique from secular sources because the wisdom in the book of Proverbs begins and ends with the fear of the LORD. The proper fear of the LORD involves a right understanding of who God is, who we are, and how we stand in relation to Him. He is the Creator; we are His creatures. He is holy; we are sinners. Therefore, the fear of the LORD does involve a sense of trembling in His presence. Yet, as Christians, we also know in Jesus Christ that the one true God is also the Savior and we are those He has saved. In this way, the fear of the LORD also involves trust and love for Him. Through the hearing of His Word, He imparts to us His wisdom to those who recognize their own emptiness and desire to be taught by Him for the rest of their lives.

“Wisdom and Instruction” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Proverbs. Although Proverbs is perhaps best known for its short sayings full of practical advice, the one true God has so much more in this book of wisdom. True wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD. Christians walk His way of righteousness rather than the way of wickedness because we trust that all good gifts come to us through His Son Jesus Christ, who is His wisdom made flesh for our salvation.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen.

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.

Proverbs 1:1-7

The Beginning of Knowledge

1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:

²To know wisdom and instruction,
    to understand words of insight,
³to receive instruction in wise dealing,
    in righteousness, justice, and equity;
⁴to give prudence to the simple,
    knowledge and discretion to the youth—
⁵Let the wise hear and increase in learning,
    and the one who understands obtain guidance,
⁶to understand a proverb and a saying,
    the words of the wise and their riddles.

⁷The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Rev. Timothy Appel

Although a mathematics degree may not be incredibly helpful to (proudly born-and-raised Texan) Rev. Timothy Appel while hosting Sharper Iron, his love of CFW Walther and the season of Easter will come in handy. His Call is shepherding the flock at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, Illinois, and he’s also husband to wife Kristin and dad to their growing basketball team of children. When he’s not carrying out pastoral duties, you may find him reading “The Lord of the Rings,” snacking on Reese’s peanut butter cups, playing dominoes with his boys, or studying up on Texas history (including Sam Houston, of course).