I arrived at my house in Florida Wednesday about 7 p.m. Unconcerned about getting in, I walked confidently to the door, punched in the four digit code and watched the light flash red. Normally, it flashes green and there is a slight whirring noise indicating the deadbolt is engaged and can be opened.

I put in the code several more times and experienced the same red light. Now, I was in a bind. We don’t take a key with us because we have this nifty electronic door lock. But without the power of the battery, the combination and lock were completely useless.

That is how wisdom works. We can have all the best efforts and plans in place, but without the power source, they will be useless and ineffective; they will come to nothing.

Solomon said in Proverbs 1:7 that the fear of the Lord is the foundation, the beginning of knowledge and knowledge is the foundation of wisdom.

Fear of the Lord is not to be afraid, but to stand in awe of, to respect, to revere and honor him.

Read: Proverbs 8:1-11

The desire for wisdom is a turning point. We meet it at crossroads, on the path of decision, after a tragedy, when life gets tough. She is there, inviting us to follow her and to learn from her.

This week I have cried out for wisdom. I need to know how to act on what I know. What about you?