Proverbs 1:7

PROVERBS—NOTE ON Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. This is the core truth of the book: the quest for wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (see Proverbs 9:10 and Psalms 111:10). “Knowledge” and “wisdom” are closely tied together in Proverbs 1:1. “Knowledge” tends to focus on correct understanding of the world and oneself as creatures of the magnificent and loving God. “Wisdom” is an acquired skill in the art of godly living. “Fear of the LORD” means to respect, obey, and worship only God (see Deuteronomy 4:10). Pursuing wisdom by fearing the Lord distinguishes the biblical search for knowledge and wisdom from that of the surrounding cultures. Submission to the Lord is key to the attainment of real understanding (see Psalms 111:10; Proverbs 9:10). By using the covenant name “the LORD” in preference to the more generic “God,” this verse shows that truth is found through Israel’s God alone. In addition, the verse asserts that fools despise wisdom and instruction, thus contrasting the two ways of wisdom and folly. This contrast dominates the entire book.