When I was in seventh grade, my wonderful church youth leader thought it would be fun to help us girls memorize Proverbs 1:7 by setting it to rap music. To this day, I still break out into song when recalling that verse. It has stuck with me all these years!

The book of Proverbs reveals our desperate need for wisdom and instruction. Each time I recite my rap song, I remember what the foundation of wisdom is: the fear of the Lord. Before we can glean the rich harvest of knowledge and understanding that comes from the Lord, we must revere, worship, and obey Him. “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods” (Psalm 96:4).

Those who fear the Lord acknowledges that His ways are higher than theirs (Isaiah 55:9), and they humbly submit to His authority and discipline. But the fool rejects wisdom and discipline, repeatedly facing the same problems and consequences. The Word of God leads us in a way that is good and right, granting wisdom to those who walk in it.