Meaning, commentary and cross references
Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
NIV · New International Version
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
WEB · World English Bible
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
What does Proverbs 9:10 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,.... This shows who the wise men are, and in what true wisdom lies; no man is wise till he fears the Lord, and he that does so is a wise man, at least then he begins to be one; this is the principal part of wisdom, Proverbs 1:7; and is at the first of it; it is the beginning of grace; it is the first act of wisdom, or grace; or which appears as soon as a man is converted and caused to know wisdom in the hidden part; as repentance, faith, and love, quickly show themselves in one act or another, so does the fear of God; for the former are never without the latter; for fear is an awe and reverence of the divine Being, joined with love to him…
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 9:1–12
Let them know wherein true wisdom consists, and what will be their entertainment at Wisdom's table, Pro 9:10 (1.) The heart must be principled with the fear of God; that is the beginning of wisdom. A reverence of God's majesty, and a dread of his wrath, are that fear of him which is the beginning, the first step towards true religion, whence all other instances of it take rise. This fear may, at first, have torment, but love will, by degrees, cast out the torment of it.
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 9:7–13 (WEB)
7One who corrects a mocker invites insult. One who reproves a wicked man invites abuse. 8Don’t reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise person, and he will love you. 9Instruct a wise person, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous person, and he will increase in learning. 10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11For by me your days will be multiplied. The years of your life will be increased. 12If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock, you alone will bear it. 13The foolish woman is loud, undisciplined, and knows nothing.
Cross references
- Psalms 111:10
- Job 28:28
To man he said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom. To depart from evil is understanding.’”
- Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
- 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 2:5
then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
- 1 John 5:20
We know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
- John 17:3
This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ.
- 1 Chronicles 28:9
You, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands all the imaginations of the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.