“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Vs 10

With this verse, it is important to remember that “fear of the Lord” does not mean terror or fright that something bad is going to happen. It is a respectful and reverent relationship with God.

The aspect of my relationship with God, my relationship with wisdom and knowledge, my pursuit in reading Proverbs and the Bible, reminds me that each day adds to itself. Each chapter, each task, each bit of understanding, adds to itself as the days progress. These things are not cram sessions that happen overnight. They require patience and day to day consistency.

Much like writing a book or a blog, much like acquiring an education, or keeping a home clean, or watching a child grow, or caring for a garden, or developing a healthy relationship with a spouse, parent, sibling, or friend.

The older I become, the more my goals become more long term and habitual. These goals require patience and consistency. They are not accomplished in big swoops like a race or a sprint, but persistent little steps that keep trudging along.

And in this How-To book of Proverbs and life, I find it so important and comforting to remember that none of this wise living…not a single step…is taken without God…the same God in the beginning as in the end, and every step in between.