Recently we had a powerful electrical storm here in New England. The wind caused tree limbs to bend and break. Hail stones dropped like Styrofoam chunks from the sky until they hit the windows and rooftops like a spray of bullets. A friend of mine stopped his truck as lightning hit an electric power pole in front of him and sparks spurted out from the transformer like a blazing firework. It was in such a display of nature's power that the Lord spoke to Job (Job 38:1). Even with all our impressive advances in technology, nature's power and mysteries can still humble us to silence and stillness (Job 38-39; 42:1-6). In the end, we must let the Lord speak. In the end, we must submit or perish. To discern His authority and respect His truly awesome power is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).

God granted King Solomon one request. "Ask for whatever you want me to give you." Solomon recognized that God had given him great leadership responsibilities. His request therefore was not for riches, fame or a long life. He asked for the essential: Wisdom.

The Book of Proverbs exists as enduring evidence to that answered prayer. Not only does the book contain golden nuggets of wisdom for daily decision-making but it teaches us how we can acquire wisdom for our own situations, no matter how complex they appear.

According to Solomon, the key ingredient for acquiring wisdom is the fear of the Lord. God reveals Himself through creation and historically as the One who holds supreme power and authority over all things. He is no wimp. He doesn't miss a trick. The heavens declare His glory. His glory thunders throughout creation. His voice pierces with its authority, as lightning splits the cedars of Lebanon (Psalm 19; Psalm 29:3-11). All dominion belongs to Him. "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:13 NIV).

A chorus of admonitions sing through the proverbs: Humble yourself; trust and reverence the Lord; Don't go with the herd. Don't close your eyes to the eternal facts. Listen to His Word; Heed His counsel; Partner with Him in His purposes; Shun evil. Do right. Follow the steps of the godly. Honor the Lord by giving Him your best. Do not resent His corrections. Obey your parents. Honor your elders. Don't withhold repayment of your debts. Flee lust temptation. Honor the covenant of marriage. Don't be lazy. Don't wink at sin. God doesn't. Use common sense. "Trust in your money and down you go! Trust in God and flourish like a tree" Be teachable- For the reverence and fear of God are basic to all wisdom. Knowing God results in every other kind of understanding. (A selection of Proverbs from the Living Bible paraphrase, Proverbs 9:10).

This is what He says to all mankind: "Look, to fear the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding." (Job 28:28)