Meaning, commentary and cross references
Proverbs 1:7
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
NIV · New International Version
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
WEB · World English Bible
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
What does Proverbs 1:7 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,.... Here properly the book begins, and this is the first of the proverbs, and an excellent one; it is such an one as is not to be found in all the writings of the Heathens. By "the fear of the Lord" is not meant a servile fear, a fear of punishment, of hell, wrath, and damnation, which is the effect of the first work of the law upon the conscience; but a filial fear, and supposes knowledge of God as a father, of his love and grace in Christ, particularly of his forgiving love, from whence it arises, Psalm 130:4; it is a holy, humble, fiducial fear of God; a reverential affection for him, and devotion to him; it includes the whole of…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Proverbs 1:7–9
He lays down this truth, that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (Pro 1:7); it is the principal part of knowledge (so the margin); it is the head of knowledge; that is, (1.) Of all things that are to be known this is most evident, that God is to be feared, to be reverenced, served, and worshipped; this is so the beginning of knowledge that those know nothing who do not know this. (2.) In order to the attaining of all useful knowledge this is most necessary, that we fear God; we are not qualified to profit by the instructions that are given us unless our minds be possessed with a holy reverence of God, and every thought within us be brought into obedience to him.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Proverbs 1:4–10 (WEB)
4to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young man— 5that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel; 6to understand a proverb and parables, the words and riddles of the wise. 7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction. 8My son, listen to your father’s instruction, and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching; 9for they will be a garland to grace your head, and chains around your neck. 10My son, if sinners entice you, don’t consent.
Cross references
- Job 28:28
To man he said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom. To depart from evil is understanding.’”
- Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
- Psalms 111:10–112:1
- Ecclesiastes 12:13
This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.
- Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the LORD teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility.
- Proverbs 18:2
A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion.
- Proverbs 1:22
“How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery, and fools hate knowledge?
- Proverbs 1:29–30
because they hated knowledge, and didn’t choose the fear of the LORD.