Fear of the LORD

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10 (NIV)

I'd never really come at this verse from a philosophical perspective, but for some reason I did this morning. Why is the fear of the LORD the beginning of wisdom? How is knowledge of the Holy One understanding? What's going on here, anyway? I began to think...

If we fear the LORD, if we have knowledge of the Holy One, then we have begun at the proper place. We have started our search for wisdom and understanding with Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." Those who fear the LORD find the foundation of their worldview rests on this statement. Whatever else that is deduced or induced comes from this fact.

Now a person can start at X and form a valid chain of arguments that lead to Y. The logic can be air-tight, and every counter-argument can be refuted soundly. But as we all know, if X itself is false, the rest of the argument is a moot point. If we start off with X = "In the beginning, God...", then we are not guaranteed to make it successfully to Y, but we are guaranteed that we have begun the journey well. We know that whatever wisdom or knowledge we desire, we cannot get it without first starting from "In the beginning, God..."

If, on the other hand, we start off with "In the beginning, God did not create the heavens and the earth", we have taken a wrong turn on the very first step of the journey. We base all our other knowledge on this statement that doesn't hold water, at least biblically speaking. We have started at the wrong X. This starting point may allow one to come very close to arriving at Y, but there will always be something...not quite right. There will be something lacking, something incomplete. The wisdom and understanding to be had from "In the beginning, God did not...", in the end, is not true wisdom, not true understanding. At best, it is an imitation, at worst, an abomination.

Not all paths lead up the mountain. It turns out this is because they don't all start at its base. They begin in the wrong place, and they lead in the wrong direction. A journey down these paths is doomed from the start. But there is one path that does start at the right place; it does lead in the right direction. And at the entrance of that path, a sign reads, "In the beginning, God..."

John Michael Crichton, 1942-2008

I read the sad news today that Michael Crichton died of cancer Nov. 4. He was 66.

He was unique for me in that he topped an extremely short list of modern fiction writers whose books I would actually read. In fact, not long ago I read Airframe, a tale about the VP of Quality at an airplane manufacturer exposing a cover up. As I work in quality in the aviation industry, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Timeline, Congo, State of Fear, Jurassic Park, Eaters of the Dead, The Great Train Robbery--I read and enjoyed them all.

Rest in peace, Mr. Crichton.

In Memoriam*

Michael Crichton

1942 - 2008

Best-selling author Michael Crichton died unexpectedly in Los Angeles Tuesday, November 4, 2008 after a courageous and private battle against cancer.

While the world knew him as a great story teller that challenged our preconceived notions about the world around us -- and entertained us all while doing so -- his wife Sherri, daughter Taylor, family and friends knew Michael Crichton as a devoted husband, loving father and generous friend who inspired each of us to strive to see the wonders of our world through new eyes. He did this with a wry sense of humor that those who were privileged to know him personally will never forget.

Through his books, Michael Crichton served as an inspiration to students of all ages, challenged scientists in many fields, and illuminated the mysteries of the world in a way we could all understand. He will be profoundly missed by those whose lives he touched, but he leaves behind the greatest gifts of a thirst for knowledge, the desire to understand, and the wisdom to use our minds to better our world.

Michael's family respectfully asks for privacy during this difficult time.

A private funeral service is expected, but no further details will be released to the public.

*taken from MichaelCrichton.net.