Wisdom from Fear

Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell? It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing, concealed even from the birds in the sky. Destruction and Death say, "Only a rumor of it has reached our ears." God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells, for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. When he established the force of the wind and measured out the waters, when he made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm, then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it. And he said to the human race, "The fear of the Lord--that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding." (Job 28:20-28 NIV)

When raising our children through the early years, Traci used to be upset at me because I had the "Dad Voice."  She would be trying to get their attention to clean up or eat dinner or something and they simply wouldn't listen to her.  I'd walk in the room and simply say, "Hey!" They would stop and pay attention.  (Of course I said it loud enough to be heard over the din coming from their own mouths and actions, but Traci could speak just as loudly with no response.)  We didn't use this tactic very often, but it was nice to know I could get their attention this way if there was real danger involved.

God uses tactics that invoke fear at times.  It also gets our attention.  He does it to warn us of real danger that is involved.  When we jump in fear, He has our attention.  Then we will listen to the rest.  This is why, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."

Are you paying attention to Him?
Are you listening?