The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:7
Notice that the text doesn’t say anything about a reading a textbook or attending a seminar or even sending cutesy Twitter posts to become knowledgeable, though those are a means to an end. No, the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.

So, what exactly is fear in this context? Fear is a healthy reverence and respect you have for the Almighty. It’s not dread and it shouldn’t be condemning. It shouldn’t be a fear that if you mess up, He’ll zap you because it’s just not the case. However, as the Old Testament spells out and the New Testament reiterates, you shouldn’t put the LORD your God to the test. (Deuteronomy 6:16, Luke 4:12). So the fear in this context is awe; it’s wonder; it’s a holy reverence.

Conversely, the foolish have little regard for fearing the LORD. They go about their own way, thumbing their noses at God, and live chaotic, purposeless lives. Essentially, God has laid out a blueprint for purpose and meaning in life. The rules and laws and commands laid out in the Bible are for our benefit. Follow them and we will live fruitful, productive lives. Ignore them and we run the risk of having little purpose or aim.

I know that as I write this that there are parents, children, friends, and relatives that fit into the “foolish” category. You know the truth; you’ve seen the way, and are trying to point them to the life. Continue to bathe that loved one in prayer. Often you’ve said enough and now it’s a matter of waiting. Take courage, your prayers will not have been in vain. Pray that your loved one will begin to experience a genuine fear of the LORD.