Proverbs 9

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10 NASB

So, we know that we are to be as close to wisdom and understanding as we are to our sister and best friend. We know the Lord delights in wisdom and in us. Yet, if we are honest with ourselves, we will admit that many times, our decisions are not wise and we do not gain understanding before acting. Does that mean God does not actually delight in us, His children? No. It means we are works in progress who need to simply remember that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, which means if there is a beginning, there is always time to learn more about His will and His way.

And, yes, this verse means true fear. Fearing God is not just respecting His kindness, His justice, and His grace, and revering His name and majesty. Fearing God is realizing that He is more powerful than any threat of this world. Remembering that the awesome and powerful Creator of the universe is fearsome but loving will allow us to begin to gain a proper perspective. Just as the little girl whose daddy stands 6’4″ and 265 pounds and could squish most humans like a bug yet she knows the gentle and comfort of his hands, if we fear the justice and power and might of the Lord, then we can rest in our reverent fear and His gentle grace.