O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable are His ways! — Romans 11:33
Democrat Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson announced his departure from the Democratic Party via an op-ed post in the Wall Street Journal, September 22, 2023, Mayor Eric Johnson: America’s Cities Need Republicans, and I’m Becoming One
What is wisdom?
The WordReference online dictionary defines wisdom: the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.
The ancient book of Job chapter 28 gets to the point. “…the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.“
What is the meaning of the fear of the Lord? Rest assured, this phrase does not point to a terrifying and paralyzing fear, according to Revelation 21:8.
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the abominable, the murderers, the sexually immoral, the sorcerers, the idolaters, and all liars shall have their portion in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone. This is the second death.“
James 2:19 teaches us, “The demons also believe and tremble.” The fear of the Lord is not this kind of fear.
The Hebrew verb yare can mean “to fear, to respect, to reverence” and the Hebrew noun yirah “usually refers to the fear of God and is viewed as a positive quality. This fear acknowledges God’s good intentions (Exodus 20:20). … This fear is produced by God’s Word (Psalm 119:38; Proverbs 2:5) and makes a person receptive to wisdom and knowledge (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10)” (Warren Baker and Eugene Carpenter, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament, 2003, pp. 470-471).
The Greek noun phobos can mean “reverential fear” of God, “not a mere ‘fear’ of His power and righteous retribution, but a wholesome dread of displeasing Him” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, 1985, “Fear, Fearful, Fearfulness”). This is the type of positive, productive fear Luke describes in the early New Testament Church: Acts 9:31.
Life, Hope, and Truth, What Does the Fear of the Lord Mean?
Then the churches throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and were built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. — Acts 9:31
Choosing Wisely
Is wisdom important? Consider Proverbs 4:7, “Wisdom is principal; therefore get wisdom. And with all your getting, get understanding.”
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson values wisdom to lead over any social consequences of changing his political affiliation. He realized his former political party advocated for social and civic matters harmful to his constituency.
A shepherd is a leader. A leader does not whip his followers into obedience but acts on the principle that a good shepherd lays down his life for those he leads (John 10:11).
Receive my instruction, and not silver,
and knowledge rather than choice gold;
for wisdom is better than rubies,
and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
and find out knowledge and discretion.
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil;
pride and arrogance
and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom;
I am understanding, I have strength.
By me, kings reign,
and princes decree justice.
Proverbs 8:10-15
All the problems of life can be resolved within the pages of the Word of God.
John White
Rockwall, Texas
John N. White 