Proverbs 1:7

KJV

¶ The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.

KJV (with Strong's)

The fear {H3374} of the LORD {H3068} is the beginning {H7225} of knowledge {H1847}: but fools {H191} despise {H936} wisdom {H2451} and instruction {H4148}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The fear of ADONAI is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Berean Standard Bible

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

American Standard Version

The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge; Butthe foolish despise wisdom and instruction.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 1:7 serves as the foundational thesis statement for the entire book of Proverbs, asserting that true knowledge and wisdom are not merely intellectual pursuits but originate from a profound, reverential awe of the Lord. It sharply contrasts this path of divine reverence, which leads to understanding and instruction, with the path of the fool, who, in their spiritual and intellectual arrogance, actively rejects and despises the very wisdom and discipline necessary for a flourishing life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 1:7 functions as the programmatic statement for the entire collection of wisdom sayings that follow. It is strategically placed after the prologue [Proverbs 1:1-6](/proverbs/1-1 "Proverbs 1:1-6 - Purpose of Proverbs"), which outlines the book's purpose: to impart wisdom, instruction, understanding, justice, judgment, equity, prudence, knowledge, and discretion. This verse establishes the indispensable prerequisite for acquiring any of these virtues: the "fear of the LORD." It sets the theological framework, indicating that the practical advice and moral guidance contained within Proverbs are not secular maxims but are rooted in a right relationship with God. Without this foundational principle, the subsequent proverbs would lack their ultimate authority and transformative power, becoming mere humanistic observations rather than divine truth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs emerges from the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, though it uniquely grounds its wisdom in the covenant relationship with Yahweh. In ancient Israel, wisdom was highly valued and often associated with kingship and governmental administration, as seen in the figure of Solomon, traditionally credited with much of the book. Education typically occurred within the family and community, emphasizing moral and practical instruction for living a righteous and successful life in accordance with God's law. The concept of "fear of the LORD" would have been understood within this covenantal context, signifying loyalty, obedience, and deep respect for God's authority as the sovereign Creator and Lawgiver, distinct from the fear of pagan deities or mere human fear. This reverence was considered the cornerstone of a well-ordered society and individual life.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal verse introduces several overarching themes that permeate the book of Proverbs. The primary theme is the **"fear of the LORD,"** which is consistently presented not as cowering dread but as a profound reverence, awe, and submission to God's authority and holiness. This fear is the starting point for all true understanding and is repeatedly linked to life, blessing, and security, as echoed in [Proverbs 14:27](/proverbs/14-27 "Proverbs 14:27 - The Fear of the Lord is a Fountain of Life"). Closely related are the themes of **knowledge, wisdom, and instruction**. "Knowledge" (Hebrew: *da'ath*) refers to intellectual and experiential understanding, while "wisdom" (Hebrew: *chokmâh*) signifies the practical skill of living life well according to divine principles. "Instruction" (Hebrew: *mûwçâr*) encompasses discipline, correction, and moral training. The verse also introduces the stark **contrast between the wise and the fool**. The "fool" (Hebrew: *ʼĕvîyl*) in Proverbs is not simply unintelligent but morally perverse, characterized by a willful rejection of God's truth and guidance, leading to destructive outcomes, a concept further elaborated in [Proverbs 12:15](/proverbs/12-15 "Proverbs 12:15 - The Way of a Fool").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yirʼâh'_):** This term, often misunderstood, signifies far more than mere terror. As derived from the root *yare*, it denotes a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's majesty, power, and holiness. It implies acknowledging God's supreme authority and submitting to His will, leading to a life of obedience and moral integrity. It is an active, worshipful response to God's character, rather than a passive dread.
* **Beginning (Hebrew, _rêʼshîyth'_):** This word carries multiple layers of meaning. It refers to the *first* in time, indicating the starting point or origin. However, it also signifies the *chief* or *principal* thing, denoting preeminence, foundational importance, and the best part. Thus, the "fear of the LORD" is not merely the initial step but the fundamental, most crucial element from which all true knowledge flows and upon which it is built.
* **Knowledge (Hebrew, _daʻath'_):** This term refers to experiential knowledge, discernment, and understanding, rather than just factual information. It implies an intimate acquaintance with truth and the ability to apply it practically. The verse asserts that genuine insight into the world, oneself, and divine principles originates from a proper, reverent relationship with God.
* **Fools (Hebrew, _ʼĕvîyl'_):** In Proverbs, an *ʼĕvîyl* is not simply someone lacking intelligence, but rather a morally and spiritually perverse individual. This term denotes someone who is stubborn, arrogant, and willfully resistant to instruction, correction, and divine wisdom. Their foolishness is a chosen disposition of the heart, leading them to despise the very things that would bring them life and understanding.
* **Instruction (Hebrew, _mûwçâr'_):** This word encompasses chastisement, discipline, correction, reproof, and moral training. It refers to the process by which one is taught and guided toward wisdom and righteous living. The fool's rejection of *mûwçâr* highlights their unwillingness to learn, change, or submit to any form of external guidance, particularly from God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge:"** This opening clause establishes the foundational principle of all true wisdom. It posits that a profound, reverential awe and respect for Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, is the indispensable starting point and chief principle for acquiring genuine knowledge. This is not mere intellectual assent but an active, obedient posture of the heart that acknowledges God's sovereignty and holiness. From this posture flows true understanding, discernment, and insight into life's realities and divine truths.
* **"but fools despise wisdom and instruction."** This contrasting clause immediately presents the antithesis to the path of wisdom. "Fools" (specifically, the *ʼĕvîyl*, characterized by stubborn, perverse resistance to truth) are those who actively reject and hold in contempt both "wisdom" (the practical skill of living righteously) and "instruction" (the discipline, correction, and moral training necessary for growth). Their disdain for divine guidance marks them as spiritually and morally bankrupt, choosing self-will and ignorance over the path to life and understanding.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 1:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound truth. The most prominent is **Antithetical Parallelism**, where the second half of the verse presents a direct contrast to the first half, highlighting the divergent paths and outcomes of reverence for God versus foolish disdain. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge" is set in stark opposition to "fools despise wisdom and instruction," emphasizing the fundamental choice humanity faces. This verse also uses **Metaphor**, as "beginning" (Hebrew: *rêʼshîyth*) functions metaphorically not just as a temporal start but as the foundational "head" or "chief part" of knowledge, implying its preeminence. Furthermore, the verse employs **Personification** in its implicit portrayal of wisdom and instruction as entities that can be either embraced or despised, lending them a tangible quality. The use of **Juxtaposition** between the "fear of the LORD" and "fools" immediately clarifies the two distinct categories of humanity and their respective orientations toward truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 1:7 is a theological cornerstone, asserting that all true knowledge and wisdom are ultimately derived from God. It challenges any humanistic worldview that seeks understanding apart from divine revelation, establishing that intellectual and moral discernment are not autonomous but are contingent upon a right relationship with the Creator. This verse underscores the biblical principle that God is the source of all truth, and genuine wisdom involves aligning one's life with His character and commands. It also highlights the moral dimension of knowledge, demonstrating that a rejection of God's authority leads not merely to ignorance but to a perverse, destructive way of life.

* [Psalm 111:10](/psalms/111-10 "Psalm 111:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Job 28:28](/job/28-28 "Job 28:28 - The Fear of the Lord is Wisdom")
* [Ecclesiastes 12:13](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13 - Fear God and Keep His Commandments")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 1:7 calls us to a profound re-evaluation of the sources and foundations of our understanding. In an age saturated with information, this verse reminds us that accumulating facts or intellectual prowess alone does not constitute true knowledge or wisdom. Instead, it is a humble, reverent posture before God that unlocks genuine insight and guides us toward a life of purpose and flourishing. To "fear the LORD" means to acknowledge His absolute sovereignty, holiness, and love, leading to a desire to obey His will and walk in His ways. This foundational reverence transforms our perspective on learning, decision-making, and our very purpose, challenging us to prioritize spiritual truth over worldly philosophies and to embrace divine correction as a pathway to growth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my understanding of "the fear of the LORD" impact my pursuit of knowledge and wisdom in daily life?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be acting like a "fool" by despising wisdom or resisting instruction, whether from God's Word or wise counsel?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper reverence for God and a greater openness to His instruction?**

### FAQ
**What does "the fear of the LORD" truly mean?**

Answer: "The fear of the LORD" (Hebrew: *yirʼâh*) does not primarily mean cowering terror or dread, but rather a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to God's supreme authority, holiness, and power. It is an active, worshipful posture of the heart that acknowledges God as Creator and Sovereign, leading to obedience and a desire to live in accordance with His will. This reverential fear is consistently presented in Scripture as the foundation for true wisdom and a blessed life, as seen in passages like [Psalm 34:11](/psalms/34-11 "Psalm 34:11 - Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.").

**Who is a "fool" in the book of Proverbs?**

Answer: In Proverbs, a "fool" (Hebrew: *ʼĕvîyl* or *kesil*) is not simply someone who lacks intelligence. Instead, the term describes a person who is morally and spiritually perverse, characterized by stubbornness, arrogance, and a willful rejection of God's truth, wisdom, and instruction. They are not ignorant due to a lack of capacity, but rather because they actively despise and resist the very guidance that would lead them to understanding and a flourishing life. Their foolishness is a chosen disposition of the heart, leading them to destructive paths, as illustrated in [Proverbs 14:16](/proverbs/14-16 "Proverbs 14:16 - A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is confident.").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 1:7, with its declaration that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament emphasizes a reverential awe of God, the New Testament reveals that this reverence is perfectly embodied and made accessible through Christ. Jesus himself is the very **Wisdom of God** personified, as articulated by Paul in [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God") and [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption"). To "fear the LORD" in the New Covenant sense is to acknowledge Jesus's divine authority, to trust in His atoning work, and to submit to His Lordship. He is the "beginning" (Greek: *archē*) of all things, the source of all knowledge and truth, as affirmed in [Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ is Before All Things"). The "fools" who despise wisdom and instruction are those who reject Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In Christ, we find not only the beginning of knowledge but its very fullness, for in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")). Therefore, true reverence for God and the acquisition of genuine wisdom are inextricably linked to a saving relationship with Jesus, who is the embodiment of divine wisdom and the ultimate instructor.

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

Job 28:28

And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that [is] wisdom; and to depart from evil [is] understanding.

Psalms 111:10

The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: his praise endureth for ever.

Psalms 112:1

¶ Praise ye the LORD. Blessed [is] the man [that] feareth the LORD, [that] delighteth greatly in his commandments.

Ecclesiastes 12:13

¶ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.

Proverbs 9:10

The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding.

Proverbs 15:33

¶ The fear of the LORD [is] the instruction of wisdom; and before honour [is] humility.

Proverbs 18:2

¶ A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.