A Pickles cartoon by Brian Crane shows an older gentleman named Earl hunched over a typewriter. When his wife, Opal, asks him what he’s doing, he responds that he’s writing a memoir and thus passing on “the wisdom that I’ve acquired over my long lifetime.” A bit skeptical, Opal asks how long this might take. Just then, he proclaims “All done!” “Wow,” she observes, “almost a whole page!”
Psalm 111:10 expresses wholehearted praise founded on the fear of the Lord: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”
We praise God for His attributes. He’s glorious, majestic, and eternal, as well as righteous, gracious, and compassionate (vv. 3–4). He’s also faithful, just, trustworthy, and upright (vv. 7–8). He is further to be praised for His deeds, especially in Israel’s history. He powerfully freed them from slavery and brought them to a new land. He miraculously provided food (manna) along the way. He remembers His covenant, even when His people forget and disrespect it (vv. 5–6). The bottom line: “Holy and awesome is his name” (v. 9).
How should we respond? We should praise and worship our God! These truths should delight us and inspire awe-filled gratitude. We should continually ponder them and marvel at God’s greatness (v. 2). This is how we learn the fear of the Lord, grow in godly wisdom, and can begin to seek His glory as our life’s purpose.
The word “beginning” in verse 10 means “start” or “precondition,” and it indicates that tenacious commitment and faith will be required to move forward. One translation renders this word “foundation,” also indicating the first step in a lifelong process.
Go Deeper
Where are you in your journey to wisdom? One way to find out is to make a list of God’s attributes that you especially praise Him for and of things He’s done for you that you’re especially thankful for.
Pray with Us: How do we grow in wisdom? Praise and worship our God, says Psalm 111. Lord Jesus, give us every day the desire to pray, to ponder Your truths, to study Your Word, to marvel at Your greatness, and to seek Your glory. Increase our faith!
BY Brad Baurain
Dr. Bradley Baurain is Professor and Program Head of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) at Moody Bible Institute. Bradley has the unique privilege of holding a degree from four different universities (including Moody). He is the author of On Waiting Well. Bradley taught in China, Vietnam, the United States, and Canada. Bradley and his wife, Julia, have four children and reside in Northwest Indiana.