…if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 2:3-5 ESV

I found it interesting that they are searching to know God, to know His word and His ways, to understand God’s Scriptures and commandments, and what they receive is the fear of the Lord. They had to first understand the fear of the Lord to find the knowledge of God that they were after, and to know God is eternal life (John 17:3).

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. People are often led to Christ for what’s in it for them and have never been taught the fear of the Lord. They are the most in danger of slipping away as in the parable of the sower, as the ones who receive the word with joy but turn back as soon as there are troubles. Any believer who is going to endure must learn the fear of the Lord.