Proverbs 1:29

KJV

For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

KJV (with Strong's)

For that they hated {H8130} knowledge {H1847}, and did not choose {H977} the fear {H3374} of the LORD {H3068}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of ADONAI,

Berean Standard Bible

For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD.

American Standard Version

For that they hated knowledge, And did not choose the fear of Jehovah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 1:29 encapsulates the profound reason for the rejection of divine wisdom and the subsequent judgment: a deliberate and active aversion to true knowledge, coupled with a willful refusal to embrace the reverential awe and humble submission that defines the "fear of the LORD." This verse highlights not mere ignorance or passive neglect, but a conscious, volitional choice to despise the very foundations of spiritual and moral understanding, setting the stage for the inevitable consequences described by personified Wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 1:29 is strategically positioned within the opening discourse of the book, specifically as part of Wisdom's impassioned public appeal and lament (Proverbs 1:20-33). Following the book's stated purpose (Proverbs 1:1-6) and the foundational principle of the "fear of the LORD" (Proverbs 1:7), the author presents a father's urgent warning against the deceptive allure of sinners (Proverbs 1:8-19). This sets the stage for Wisdom's prophetic cry, where she calls out from the city's bustling thoroughfares, offering her invaluable counsel to the simple and scoffers. Verse 29 serves as the crucial explanatory clause for *why* these individuals will ultimately face calamity: their rejection is not accidental but deeply rooted in a profound antagonism toward divine truth and a conscious decision to shun the path of reverence. It directly precedes the vivid description of the dire consequences that will inevitably befall those who persistently ignore her gracious invitation (Proverbs 1:30-32).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Proverbs is deeply embedded within the broader ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, which consistently emphasized practical instruction for living a flourishing and prosperous life, invariably rooted in divine principles. In ancient Israel, wisdom transcended mere intellectual acumen; it was a holistic understanding of how to live in harmony with God's created order and His revealed moral law. The "fear of the LORD" was not a concept of cowering dread but a central theological tenet, signifying a respectful, obedient, and worshipful relationship with Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This profound reverence was universally understood as the indispensable prerequisite for all true knowledge, discernment, and ethical living. The literary device of personifying wisdom as a woman was common in this period, employed to render abstract concepts more accessible and impactful, often drawing parallels to a wise mother or authoritative teacher offering guidance within the community. The public setting of Wisdom's cry—in the city gates and busy streets—underscores both the universal accessibility of divine truth and the public, undeniable nature of its rejection.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the Book of Proverbs. It unequivocally underscores the **primacy of the "fear of the LORD"** as the "beginning of knowledge" as stated in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge") and "the beginning of wisdom" in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD as Wisdom's Foundation"). The verse also highlights the **active nature of spiritual rebellion**, emphasizing that the rejection of divine truth is not a passive state of ignorance but a deliberate, hostile, and volitional choice. This willful disobedience leads directly to the pervasive theme of **inevitable consequences and divine judgment**, vividly illustrated in Wisdom's subsequent pronouncements that she will mock their calamity when it arrives, as seen in [Proverbs 1:26](/proverbs/1-26 "Proverbs 1:26 - Wisdom's Response to Rejection"). Furthermore, it reinforces the fundamental **dichotomy between wisdom and folly**, portraying folly not merely as a lack of intelligence but as a moral orientation characterized by a profound hatred for truth and an obstinate refusal to acknowledge God's sovereign authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hated (Hebrew, _sânêʼ'_):** From H8130, this word signifies a strong, active dislike, animosity, or even hostility. It conveys more than mere indifference or passive neglect; it suggests a deep-seated opposition and an intentional turning away from knowledge. In this context, it implies an active aversion to divine truth and moral instruction, a deliberate setting of the heart against what is good.
* **knowledge (Hebrew, _daʻath'_):** From H1847, this term refers to understanding, discernment, and the practical application of truth. It encompasses moral insight and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, particularly as revealed by God. The hatred of this knowledge implies a rejection of the very principles necessary for a righteous and flourishing life, a refusal to embrace divine wisdom.
* **fear (Hebrew, _yirʼâh'_):** From H3374, this term denotes a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission, often leading to obedience. When paired with "of the LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh'_), it refers to a humble, worshipful, and obedient relationship with God that serves as the foundational principle for all true wisdom, moral living, and spiritual understanding within the wisdom literature. It is the proper posture of the human heart before a holy God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For that they hated knowledge":** This initial clause identifies the fundamental spiritual disposition of those who reject Wisdom's urgent call. Their ultimate failure is rooted not in ignorance, but in an active, deep-seated animosity towards "knowledge," which, within the context of Proverbs, signifies divine understanding, moral discernment, and the practical application of God's truth. This is a deliberate, almost aggressive, turning away from what is inherently right, beneficial, and life-giving. Their hearts are demonstrably set against learning and conforming to divine standards.
* **"and did not choose the fear of the LORD":** This second clause specifies the ultimate object of their rejection and powerfully underscores the volitional nature of their rebellion. The "fear of the LORD" is presented as the foundational principle of wisdom, representing a reverent, worshipful, and obedient relationship with God, the very source of life and truth. By "not choosing" it, they actively opted out of the path of humility, submission, and spiritual discernment. This highlights a conscious, deliberate moral and spiritual decision that directly leads to their downfall and forfeiture of true wisdom and flourishing life.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 1:29 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Parallelism** is prominently featured in the two clauses, where "hated knowledge" is structurally and conceptually paralleled by "did not choose the fear of the LORD." This skillful repetition not only reinforces the dual nature of their rebellion—an active rejection of truth and a passive, yet equally culpable, refusal of reverence—but also intensifies its impact. Furthermore, a strong element of **Antithesis** is at play, as the verse stands in stark opposition to the book's foundational declaration that "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge" in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge"). While true wisdom commences with embracing this reverential fear, folly is unequivocally characterized by its active, defiant rejection. The verse also functions as a clear **Cause-and-Effect** statement, precisely explaining the *reason* for the subsequent divine judgment and calamitous consequences described by personified Wisdom in the surrounding verses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 1:29 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of human rebellion and the severe consequences of rejecting divine truth. It teaches that spiritual ignorance is frequently not a mere lack of opportunity or understanding, but rather a willful, deliberate choice, stemming from a heart that actively despises God's wisdom and stubbornly refuses to submit to His benevolent authority. The "fear of the LORD" is presented as the essential, non-negotiable starting point for all true knowledge, genuine wisdom, and a right relationship with God; to reject it is to intentionally sever oneself from the very source of life, understanding, and moral flourishing. This verse powerfully underscores God's sovereign grace in offering wisdom freely and humanity's solemn responsibility in choosing to accept or reject it, thereby highlighting the profound moral culpability of those who willfully turn away from Him.

* [Psalm 14:1](/psalms/14-1 "Psalm 14:1 - The Fool Says There Is No God")
* [Romans 1:28](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28 - God Gives Them Over to a Depraved Mind")
* [2 Thessalonians 2:10](/2_thessalonians/2-10 "2 Thessalonians 2:10 - They Refused to Love the Truth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 1:29 offers a timeless and piercing challenge, compelling us to deeply examine our contemporary lives. In an age saturated with information and diverse perspectives, this verse urges us to consider not merely the breadth of what we know, but more critically, *how* we relate to truth, especially divine truth. Do we exhibit an active love for God's wisdom, diligently seeking it out and allowing it to profoundly shape our thoughts, decisions, and actions? Or do we, perhaps subtly or unconsciously, harbor an aversion to it, particularly when it confronts our comfortable assumptions, challenges our ingrained prejudices, or demands genuine repentance and costly obedience? The verse serves as a potent reminder that true wisdom is far more than mere intellectual assent; it is fundamentally a posture of humble reverence before the Almighty God, acknowledging His absolute sovereignty and submitting wholeheartedly to His revealed will. Our conscious choices regarding the "fear of the LORD" profoundly determine the ultimate trajectory of our lives, leading either to spiritual flourishing, profound understanding, and abundant life, or to self-inflicted calamity, spiritual barrenness, and ultimate regret.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be subtly "hating knowledge" or actively resisting divine truth, perhaps driven by a desire for personal autonomy, immediate comfort, or worldly approval?**
* **How does my daily life, my priorities, and my responses to difficult situations demonstrate a conscious "choice" to live in the "fear of the LORD," or conversely, a noticeable lack thereof?**
* **What are the observable, practical consequences I can identify in my own life, my community, or in broader society when the foundational "fear of the LORD" is actively rejected or neglected?**
* **Beyond intellectual understanding, how can I intentionally cultivate a deeper, more active love for God's knowledge and a more profound, transformative reverence for Him in my innermost thoughts, my spoken words, and my daily actions?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "hate knowledge" in this context?**

Answer: To "hate knowledge" in Proverbs 1:29 means far more than simply being ignorant or uninformed. It refers to an active, intentional aversion, animosity, or even hostility towards divine truth, moral understanding, and the instruction that leads to a righteous and flourishing life. It implies a conscious, volitional decision to reject what is inherently good and beneficial, often because it conflicts with one's sinful desires, personal pride, or a preference for darkness over light. This hatred is a deep-seated antagonism toward the wisdom that originates from God, as personified by Wisdom crying out publicly in [Proverbs 1:20-21](/proverbs/1-20-21 "Proverbs 1:20-21 - Wisdom Cries Aloud in the Streets").

**Why is "the fear of the LORD" so crucial in Proverbs?**

Answer: "The fear of the LORD" is a foundational and recurrent concept throughout the entire Book of Proverbs, explicitly declared as "the beginning of knowledge" in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge") and "the beginning of wisdom" in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom"). It does not signify a cowering dread or paralyzing terror, but rather a profound reverence, awe, respect, and humble submission to God's supreme authority and His holy moral commands. It represents the proper, worshipful posture of the human heart before a holy and sovereign God, which invariably leads to obedience, discernment, spiritual flourishing, and ultimately, true life. To reject it, as tragically depicted in [Proverbs 1:29](/proverbs/1-29 "Proverbs 1:29 - Rejection of Knowledge and Fear of the LORD"), is to willfully reject the very foundation of wisdom, spiritual well-being, and a meaningful existence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 1:29, with its stark portrayal of those who "hated knowledge" and "did not choose the fear of the LORD," finds its ultimate and most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of divine Wisdom, as the Apostle Paul unequivocally declares Him to be "the power of God and the wisdom of God" in [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"). Yet, just as personified Wisdom was tragically rejected in the Old Testament narrative of Proverbs, so too was Christ, the true and living Wisdom of God, despised and rejected by many during His earthly ministry. The Gospel of John laments this profound rejection, stating, "He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him" in [John 1:10-11](/john/1-10-11 "John 1:10-11 - The World Did Not Know Him"). This rejection was not born of mere ignorance, but often a willful hatred of the divine light because their deeds were inherently evil, as Jesus Himself explained in [John 3:19-20](/john/3-19-20 "John 3:19-20 - Men Loved Darkness Rather Than Light"). In stark contrast to those described in Proverbs 1:29, Jesus perfectly exemplified the "fear of the LORD" through His absolute, unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even to the agonizing point of death on the cross, as recorded in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedient to Death on a Cross"). He is the one who, unlike rebellious humanity, perfectly chose and flawlessly lived out the fear of the LORD, thereby becoming the inexhaustible source of true knowledge, eternal life, and salvation for all who *do* choose to receive Him and believe in His name, as promised in [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Power to Become Children of God"). In Christ, the wisdom that was tragically hated by many is fully and gloriously revealed, offering redemption, profound understanding, and spiritual flourishing to all who humbly embrace Him as Lord and Savior.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 1:22

How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

Job 21:14

Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.

Job 21:15

What [is] the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?

Proverbs 6:23

For the commandment [is] a lamp; and the law [is] light; and reproofs of instruction [are] the way of life:

Hebrews 11:25

Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

Isaiah 27:11

When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, [and] set them on fire: for it [is] a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour.

Isaiah 30:9

That this [is] a rebellious people, lying children, children [that] will not hear the law of the LORD: