Isaiah 33:6
And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.
Isaiah 33:6
This verse offers a concise statement about the stability and security God provides in turbulent times: “And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.” It sits within a prophetic scene of judgment and deliverance, where the right relationship with God functions as the foundation for social and personal steadiness. In Isaiah’s world, political alliances are unreliable, and natural disasters loom; thus, wisdom and knowledge grounded in the fear of the LORD provide stability. The line imagines a society where understanding, discernment, and reverence for God anchor decisions, policies, and daily living. The “strength of salvation” points to the empowering effect of redemption—God’s saving work sustains people during crisis. The fear of the LORD is presented as a treasure, not a burden, because true wisdom begins with reverent trust in God.
Theologically, the verse centers divine wisdom as foundational for life. It ties knowledge and prudence to covenant faithfulness, implying that human insight without reverence is unstable. The fear of the LORD as treasure reframes fear not as terror but as trust that aligns life with God’s purposes. The verse echoes wisdom literature’s themes—Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes—where reverence, discernment, and the fear of the LORD sustain moral and communal life. It also connects salvation with everyday wisdom: God’s saving power stabilizes not only eternal destiny but present realities.
Practically, seek wisdom that honors God in every decision: finance, career, family, and health. When you face ambiguous choices, pause for prayerful discernment, seek counsel, and evaluate options through biblical values like justice, mercy, and truth. Invest in learning—read, ask questions, and test assumptions—while maintaining a reverent posture toward God. Build routines that reflect this wisdom: budgets that reflect generosity, relationships that prioritize integrity, and workplaces that reward ethical behavior. The verse reframes knowledge as a tool for stability—so you don’t crumble under pressure but stand firm, equipped for challenges. Let the fear of the LORD guide your ambitions, your response to risk, and your resilience in crisis.
Cross-References: Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10; James 1:5; Psalm 111:10; Psalm 112:1