Proverbs 9:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The fear {H3374} of the LORD {H3068} is the beginning {H8462} of wisdom {H2451}: and the knowledge {H1847} of the holy {H6918} is understanding {H998}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The fear of ADONAI is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of holy ones is understanding.

Berean Standard Bible

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

American Standard Version

The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 9:10 serves as a foundational declaration within the wisdom literature, asserting that genuine wisdom and profound understanding are not merely intellectual achievements but originate from a reverential and intimate relationship with the Divine. It posits that an awe-filled respect for the LORD is the indispensable starting point for acquiring wisdom, and a deep, personal knowledge of God's holy character is the wellspring of true discernment and insight. This verse encapsulates the core message of Proverbs, guiding readers toward a life lived in harmony with God's design and anchored in His truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse concludes the introductory section of Proverbs (chapters 1-9), which functions as a grand invitation to wisdom. Prior to this, Lady Wisdom is personified as a divine figure, crying out in public places, offering life and understanding to all who will listen and turn from folly. Chapter 9 specifically contrasts Lady Wisdom, who builds her house, prepares a feast, and sends out invitations to the simple and those lacking sense, as seen in [Proverbs 9:1-6](/proverbs/9-1-6 "Proverbs 9:1-6 - Lady Wisdom's Invitation"), with Lady Folly, who also calls out, but her path leads to death and the depths of Sheol, vividly described in [Proverbs 9:13-18](/proverbs/9-13-18 "Proverbs 9:13-18 - Lady Folly's Deception"). Proverbs 9:10 acts as the theological cornerstone, explaining the prerequisite for accepting Wisdom's invitation and benefiting from her instruction. It echoes and expands upon the book's programmatic statement in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge"), solidifying the "fear of the LORD" as the non-negotiable starting point for all true knowledge and wisdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Proverbs emerged from ancient Israelite wisdom traditions, often associated with royal courts and scribal schools, though its teachings were intended for all levels of society. Wisdom in the ancient Near East was highly valued, often seen as a practical skill for successful living and effective governance. However, Israelite wisdom, unlike its purely pragmatic or humanistic counterparts in surrounding cultures, was uniquely grounded in the worship of Yahweh. The concept of "fear of the LORD" was central to Israelite piety, signifying not terror, but a profound, worshipful awe, reverence, and humble submission to God's covenantal authority and holiness. This reverential fear motivated obedience to the Mosaic Law and a desire to live in alignment with divine will, distinguishing Israelite wisdom as uniquely theological.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 9:10 encapsulates several overarching themes of the book. Firstly, it establishes **Divine Revelation as the Source of Wisdom**, emphasizing that true insight comes from God, rather than solely from human intellect or experience. Secondly, it highlights the **Primacy of Relationship with God**, asserting that a right posture of reverential awe, as first introduced in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the LORD"), is the foundational prerequisite for acquiring wisdom and understanding. This theme is consistently reiterated throughout Proverbs, such as in [Proverbs 15:33](/proverbs/15-33 "Proverbs 15:33 - The Fear of the LORD is Instruction in Wisdom") and [Proverbs 14:27](/proverbs/14-27 "Proverbs 14:27 - The Fear of the LORD is a Fountain of Life"). Thirdly, it underscores the **Practical Nature of Wisdom**, which is not abstract knowledge but the skill of living righteously and successfully in God's world. Finally, it presents a stark **Contrast Between Wisdom and Folly**, where the path of wisdom begins with God, leading to life, while folly leads to destruction, a dichotomy vividly portrayed in [Proverbs 1-9](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1-9 - The Call to Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yirʼâh'_):** This term (H3374), derived from a root meaning "to dread or be afraid," in the context of "fear of the LORD" (H3068), consistently denotes a profound and worshipful reverence, awe, and humble submission to God's majesty, power, and holiness. It is not a cowering terror, but a respectful acknowledgment of His supreme sovereignty that motivates obedience and devotion, serving as the essential starting point for all true wisdom.
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmâh'_):** This term (H2451) signifies practical skill and insight for living effectively and righteously. It extends beyond mere intellectual knowledge to encompass the ability to apply divine truth to life's situations, make sound judgments, and live in accordance with God's design. In Proverbs, _chokmâh_ is often personified as a divine attribute, accessible to those who diligently seek it and, as this verse declares, begin with the fear of the LORD.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qâdôwsh'_):** This word (H6918), often used in the plural but here referring to God by eminence, emphasizes God's absolute distinctness, moral purity, and transcendence. To have "knowledge of the holy" implies an intimate, personal acquaintance with God's unique character, His attributes, His truth, and His ways, setting Him apart from all creation and sin. This deep, experiential knowledge is presented as the wellspring of true understanding.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom":** This clause establishes the foundational principle of biblical wisdom. The "fear of the LORD" (a profound, reverential awe and humble submission to God's authority and character) is identified as the "beginning" (Hebrew _tᵉchillâh_, H8462, meaning a commencement, first principle, or chief part) of "wisdom" (Hebrew _chokmâh_, H2451). This indicates that genuine wisdom does not originate from human intellect or worldly pursuits, but from a right relationship with God, characterized by humble reverence and obedient devotion. Without this spiritual posture, true wisdom cannot be initiated, acquired, or developed.
* **"and the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding.":** This second clause functions as a parallel affirmation, reinforcing the first. "Knowledge" (Hebrew _daʻath_, H1847, implying intimate acquaintance and experiential recognition) of "the holy" (Hebrew _qâdôwsh_, H6918, referring to God in His absolute distinctness, moral purity, and transcendence) is declared to be "understanding" (Hebrew _bîynâh_, H998, signifying discernment, insight, and the ability to grasp truth and distinguish between options). This means that a deep, personal, and experiential acquaintance with God's character and nature is the wellspring from which true discernment and the ability to make wise judgments flow, enabling one to comprehend the deeper meaning of life and reality.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 9:10 prominently employs **Synonymous Parallelism**, a quintessential feature of Hebrew poetry. The two clauses of the verse express the same core idea using different but complementary words, thereby reinforcing and intensifying the central message. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" is paralleled by "the knowledge of the holy is understanding." Both "fear of the LORD" and "knowledge of the holy" refer to a proper, reverential, and intimate relationship with God, while "wisdom" and "understanding" both denote spiritual insight, discernment, and practical sagacity. This literary technique creates a profound emphasis on the singular divine source of true wisdom and understanding. The verse also subtly utilizes **Merism** by presenting two complementary aspects of a right relationship with God—reverential fear and intimate knowledge—which together encompass the full scope of the spiritual posture necessary for comprehensive wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 9:10 is a theological cornerstone, asserting that all true wisdom is ultimately rooted in God. It dismantles the notion of a purely secular or humanistic wisdom, insisting that genuine understanding of life, morality, and the world can only be properly apprehended through the lens of a reverential and intimate relationship with the Creator. This verse elevates God as the ultimate source of all truth and insight, implying that any wisdom divorced from Him is ultimately incomplete, misguided, or even foolish. It underscores the biblical emphasis on orthopraxy (right living) stemming from orthodoxy (right belief), where a proper understanding of God's holiness and sovereignty leads directly to wise and righteous conduct. It also highlights God's accessibility, indicating that He desires to be known intimately by those who approach Him with reverence.

* [Psalm 111:10](/psalm/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")
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 9:10 offers timeless guidance, challenging us to re-evaluate the true source of wisdom in our lives. In a world that often prioritizes human intellect, scientific advancement, or worldly success as the benchmarks of understanding, this verse redirects our gaze to God. Cultivating the "fear of the LORD" means approaching life with a profound sense of awe for God's majesty, a humble submission to His authority, and an earnest desire to live in accordance with His revealed will. It calls for a daily posture of reverence, recognizing that our lives are lived under His sovereign gaze. This reverential fear, combined with a diligent pursuit of knowing God's character through His Word and prayer, is the pathway to true discernment, enabling us to navigate complex decisions, discern truth from error, and live lives that honor Him and bless others. It implies that genuine wisdom is less about accumulating facts and more about cultivating a right relationship with the One who is the source of all truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a "fear of the LORD" as described in Proverbs 9:10, and where might I grow in this reverence?**
* **In what areas of my life am I primarily seeking wisdom from human or worldly sources, and how might I reorient my pursuit to God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to deepen my "knowledge of the holy" through Scripture, prayer, and community, thereby growing in understanding?**
* **How might a greater fear of the LORD and a deeper knowledge of His holiness transform my decision-making, relationships, and priorities?**

### FAQ
**What does "the fear of the LORD" truly mean, and how is it different from being afraid of God?**

Answer: "The fear of the LORD" (Hebrew _yirʼâh_) in Proverbs 9:10 and throughout the Old Testament does not primarily mean a cowering terror or dread of God. Instead, it signifies a profound, reverential awe, respect, and humble submission to God's supreme holiness, power, and authority. It is an acknowledgment of His rightful place as Creator and Sovereign, leading to a desire to honor Him, obey His commands, and live in alignment with His will. This fear is a positive, worshipful posture that motivates righteousness and draws one closer to God, unlike a paralyzing fear that drives one away. It's the kind of deep respect a child has for a loving, wise parent, leading to obedience and trust, rather than a slave's fear of a cruel master. Passages like [Psalm 25:12](/psalm/25-12 "Psalm 25:12 - Who is the man that fears the LORD?") and [Proverbs 14:27](/proverbs/14-27 "Proverbs 14:27 - The Fear of the LORD is a Fountain of Life") illustrate its life-giving and beneficial nature.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 9:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament calls for the "fear of the LORD" and "knowledge of the holy" as the beginning of wisdom, the New Testament reveals that both are perfectly embodied and made accessible through Christ. He is not merely a wise teacher, but "the wisdom of God" personified, as declared in [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"). In Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge," a truth powerfully articulated in [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom are Hidden Treasures of Wisdom"). Therefore, to truly "fear the LORD" now means to revere God the Father through God the Son, recognizing Jesus' divine authority and submitting to His Lordship. To gain "knowledge of the holy" is to intimately know Jesus, for He is the perfect revelation of God's holy character, as [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God, Except the Son") proclaims. By receiving the Holy Spirit, believers are granted the very "Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him," as Paul prays in [Ephesians 1:17](/ephesians/1-17 "Ephesians 1:17 - The Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation"). Thus, the beginning of wisdom and the path to true understanding is a personal, saving relationship with Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the wisdom and holiness of God, making God fully known to us.

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

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.

Job 28:28

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

Proverbs 1:7

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

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 2:5

Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

John 17:3

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

1 John 5:20

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.