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

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse concludes the introductory section of Proverbs (chapters 1-9), which serves 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 (`/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 (`/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 of society. Wisdom in the ancient Near East was highly valued, often seen as a practical skill for successful living. However, Israelite wisdom, unlike its secular counterparts, 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 submission to God's covenantal authority and holiness. This fear motivated obedience to the Mosaic Law and a desire to live in alignment with divine will, distinguishing Israelite wisdom from the purely pragmatic or humanistic wisdom of surrounding cultures.

* **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, not solely human intellect. Secondly, it highlights the **Primacy of Relationship with God**, asserting that a right posture of reverential awe (`/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 chapters 1-9.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yirʼâh'_):** Derived from the root meaning to dread or be afraid, _yirʼâh_ in the context of "fear of the LORD" (`H3374` combined with `H3068`) consistently denotes a profound and worshipful reverence, awe, and respect for God's majesty, power, and holiness. It is a humble acknowledgment of His supreme sovereignty that motivates obedience and devotion, rather than a cowering terror. This reverential fear is presented as the essential starting point for all true wisdom.
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmâh'_):** This term (`H2451`) refers to practical skill and insight for living effectively and righteously. It is not merely intellectual knowledge but the ability to apply 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 seek it diligently and, as this verse declares, begin with the fear of the LORD.
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qâdôwsh'_):** This word (`H6918`), often used in the plural (though singular 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 knowledge is presented as the source 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 submission to God) is identified as the "beginning" (Hebrew _tᵉchillâh_, `H8462`, meaning a commencement or first principle) of "wisdom" (Hebrew _chokmâh_, `H2451`). This indicates that genuine wisdom does not start with human intellect or worldly knowledge, but with a right relationship with God, characterized by humble reverence and obedience. Without this spiritual posture, true wisdom cannot be initiated 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) of "the holy" (Hebrew _qâdôwsh_, `H6918`, referring to God in His absolute distinctness and purity) is declared to be "understanding" (Hebrew _bîynâh_, `H998`, signifying discernment, insight, and the ability to grasp truth). This means that a deep, personal, and experiential knowledge of God's character and nature is the source from which true discernment and the ability to make wise judgments flow.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 9:10 prominently employs **Synonymous Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry. The two clauses of the verse express the same core idea in different words, reinforcing and intensifying the 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 relationship with God, while "wisdom" and "understanding" both denote spiritual insight and practical discernment. This literary technique creates a profound emphasis on the singular source of true wisdom and understanding. The verse also utilizes **Merism** by presenting two complementary aspects (fear and knowledge) that together encompass the full scope of a right relationship with God, leading to 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 wisdom, insisting that genuine understanding of life, morality, and the world can only be properly apprehended through the lens of a reverential 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 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.

* [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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a "fear of the LORD" as described in Proverbs 9:10?**
* **In what areas of my life am I seeking wisdom from sources other than God, and how might I reorient my pursuit?**
* **What practical steps can I take to deepen my "knowledge of the holy" and thereby grow in understanding?**
* **How might a greater fear of the LORD 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, unlike a paralyzing fear that drives one away from God. It's the kind of 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 "Who is the man that fears the LORD?") and [Proverbs 14:27](/proverbs/14-27 "The Fear of the LORD is a Fountain of Life") illustrate its life-giving 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 (`/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" (`/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom are Hidden Treasures of Wisdom"`). Therefore, to "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 (`/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God, Except the Son"`). By receiving the Holy Spirit, believers are granted the very Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him (`/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.

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.