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

Wisdom does not begin with a genetic predisposition.  It's not like some are born with a higher natural capacity for understanding.  No, these elements of moral judgment and discernment are distinct from one's intelligence quotient, memory skills, and left- or right-brainedness.  A lot of times, we may make it seem as if wisdom and understanding are special privileges into which one is born... But that's just not the way it works.  Rather, wisdom and understanding begin with our recognition of God as our Heavenly Father and our embrace of the relationship that he extends to us as His sons and daughters.

Wisdom does not begin with careful study.  No amount of academic training can grant one access to a higher form of understanding.  No, these elements of moral judgment and discernment are distinct from one's intellect, certificates, degrees, and declarations.  A lot of times, we may make it seem as if wisdom and understanding are the result of scholastic rigor... But that's just not the way it works.  Rather, wisdom and understanding begin with our study of the character of God -- and our application of God's divine truth to our day-to-day lives, with the help of God's Holy Spirit living inside of us.

Wisdom does not begin with an appointment.  There is no particular position of authority that can automatically bestow one with understanding.  No, these elements of moral judgment and discernment are distinct from one's credentials, titles, and letters of recommendation.  A lot of times, we may make it seem as if wisdom and understanding come from experience and acquired skill... But that's just not the way it works.  Rather, wisdom and understanding begin with us yielding all our titles and all our worship over to God; they start making themselves more evident when we surrender the place of authority to God and let Him do the leading.

We have a lot of misconceptions when it comes to wisdom and understanding.  Typically, if we see someone who's lacking in these areas, we'll recommend that they get some schooling -- take some Bible classes, go to seminary.  Or we'll give them a goal of becoming a small group leader in our church -- or perhaps a deacon or an elder.  But all of these things miss the point that wisdom and understanding begin with our response to God.  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.  Unfortunately, this is not as formulaic as any of the other means by which we (mistakenly) assume that wisdom can be acquired... But it's the way it works.  It's where wisdom begins.