Proverbs 1:7 English Standard Version (ESV) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 9:10 English Standard Version (ESV) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

I have been pondering the order in fear of the Lord. The more common verse in fear of the Lord is quoted from Proverbs 9:10 yet it appeared in Proverbs 1:7 first. Since God is a God of order, the order in which fear is addressed should matter.

I have to look at the second part of each proverb in order to makes sense of the different views towards fear of the Lord. 1:7 addresses fools where 9:10 indicates relationship with the Holy One. This is in the same way we would address having knowledge of our father, having lived with him.

A fool would be the individual who has a rebellious nature and will not listen to reason nor instruction. There is no sense of fear because they refuse to acknowledge any authority as having a right to influence their life. They only fear what they see in the world as a threat to their desires. They think they are the masters of their own destiny.

Remove rebellion and you will see a life that understands authority and purpose. They will listen to wisdom and follow instructions. They will accept that higher powers above than which the world offers. They will seek to understand with a fearful reluctance, not being sure of what is ahead for them.

Isaiah 41:1 English Standard Version (ESV)

Fear Not, for I Am with You

“Listen to me in silence, O coastlands; let the peoples renew their strength; let them approach, then let them speak; let us together draw near for judgment.”

Relationship changes fear from the realm of the unknown to reverence for the power and might of the God that is known.

Isaiah 46:8-11 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁸ “Remember this and stand firm,
    recall it to mind, you transgressors,
⁹     remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other;
    I am God, and there is none like me,
¹⁰ declaring the end from the beginning
    and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
    and I will accomplish all my purpose,’
¹¹ calling a bird of prey from the east,
    the man of my counsel from a far country.
I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;
    I have purposed, and I will do it.

Philippians 2:13 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹³ for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Nothing has changed in this regard. We have changed but that was God’s will, purpose and His good pleasure. God has not changed. We changed. Not so much as we have accomplished anything beyond believing on our Lord Jesus Christ by faith. We now live this life of faith and somehow think that we have accomplished something.

Isaiah 61:6-8 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁶ but you shall be called the priests of the Lord;
    they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God;
you shall eat the wealth of the nations,
    and in their glory you shall boast.
⁷ Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion;
    instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot;
therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion;
    they shall have everlasting joy.

⁸ For I the Lord love justice;
    I hate robbery and wrong;
I will faithfully give them their recompense,
    and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.