How does Romans 15:14 connect with Proverbs 1:7 about gaining wisdom? Two Verses, One Thread of Wisdom “I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge, and competent to instruct one another.” “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Romans 15:14—What Mature Believers Look Like • Full of goodness—character that mirrors God’s moral excellence • Complete in knowledge—truth understood and embraced • Competent to instruct—able to counsel, correct, and encourage fellow believers Proverbs 1:7—Where That Maturity Begins • The fear of the LORD—reverent awe that bows to His authority • Beginning of knowledge—true insight always starts here, never apart from Him • Warning—rejecting that reverence leaves one a fool, cut off from wisdom and discipline Connecting the Dots • Paul’s confidence in Rome rests on the same foundation Solomon names: a community that fears God will display goodness, knowledge, and the skill to instruct. • Without Proverbs 1:7, Romans 15:14 could not be true. Reverence births knowledge; knowledge shapes character; character equips believers to teach. • Both verses trace wisdom back to God Himself, not intellect, culture, or age. Supporting Passages That Reinforce the Link • Psalm 111:10—“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding.” • Colossians 3:16—“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom.” • James 3:17—“The wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits…” Practical Markers of Wisdom Flowing from Godly Fear 1. Hunger for Scripture—2 Timothy 3:16-17 shows that God’s Word equips for “every good work.” 2. Humble teachability—Proverbs 9:9, “Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still.” 3. Mutual admonition—1 Thessalonians 5:14 calls believers to “admonish the unruly.” 4. Visible goodness—Titus 2:7, “In everything set them an example by doing what is good.” 5. Fruitful counsel—Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Living the Connection Today • Start every pursuit of knowledge with worshipful awe of God; let prayerful reading of Scripture anchor every study session, job decision, and conversation. • Invite fellow believers to speak into your life, and be ready to speak truth in love to them—Romans 15:14 grants that privilege. • Measure growth not just by information gained but by goodness displayed and others strengthened. • Keep circling back to Proverbs 1:7; the fear of the LORD is never outgrown, only deepened. |
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