CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/1-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/20_Pro_01_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/1-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/1-7.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 7</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm" title="Proverbs 1:6">◄</a> Proverbs 1:7 <a href="/proverbs/1-8.htm" title="Proverbs 1:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/proverbs/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/proverbs/1.htm">New International Version</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. <a href="/nlt/proverbs/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. <a href="/esv/proverbs/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. <a href="/bsb/proverbs/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. <a href="/kjv/proverbs/1.htm">King James Bible</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. <a href="/nkjv/proverbs/1.htm">New King James Version</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. <a href="/nasb_/proverbs/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. <a href="/nasb/proverbs/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. <a href="/nasb77/proverbs/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. <a href="/lsb/proverbs/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; Ignorant fools despise wisdom and discipline. <a href="/amp/proverbs/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; But arrogant fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline. <a href="/csb/proverbs/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline. <a href="/hcsb/proverbs/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline. <a href="/asv/proverbs/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge; But the foolish despise wisdom and instruction. <a href="/cev/proverbs/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Respect and obey the LORD! This is the beginning of knowledge. Only a fool rejects wisdom and good advice. <a href="/erv/proverbs/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction. <a href="/gwt/proverbs/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Stubborn fools despise wisdom and discipline. <a href="/gnt/proverbs/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> To have knowledge, you must first have reverence for the LORD. Stupid people have no respect for wisdom and refuse to learn. <a href="/isv/proverbs/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. <a href="/msb/proverbs/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. <a href="/net/proverbs/1.htm">NET Bible</a> Fearing the LORD is the beginning of moral knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. <a href="/nheb/proverbs/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction. <a href="/wbt/proverbs/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. <a href="/web/proverbs/1.htm">World English Bible</a> The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge, but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/proverbs/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Fear of YHWH [is the] beginning of knowledge, "" Fools have despised wisdom and instruction! <a href="/ylt/proverbs/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Fear of Jehovah is a beginning of knowledge, Wisdom and instruction fools have despised! <a href="/slt/proverbs/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge: the foolish despised wisdom and instruction.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/proverbs/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Fools despise wisdom and instruction. <a href="/cpdv/proverbs/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The foolish despise wisdom as well as doctrine. <a href="/nabre/proverbs/1.htm">New American Bible</a> Fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline. <a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> The reverence of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise knowledge and instruction. <a href="/hpbt/proverbs/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> The chief wisdom is the awe of LORD JEHOVAH, but the evil despise knowledge and instruction.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/proverbs/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; But the foolish despise wisdom and discipline. <a href="/sep/proverbs/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and there is good understanding to all that practise it: and piety toward God is the beginning of discernment; but the ungodly will set at nought wisdom and instruction. <a href="/parallel/proverbs/1-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=35" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/proverbs/1.htm">The Beginning of Knowledge</a> …6by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. 7<a href="/hebrew/3374.htm" title="3374: yir·’aṯ (N-fsc) -- A fear. Feminine of yare'; fear; morally, reverence.">The fear</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/7225.htm" title="7225: rê·šîṯ (N-fsc) -- Beginning, chief. From the same as ro'sh; the first, in place, time, order or rank.">is the beginning</a> <a href="/hebrew/1847.htm" title="1847: dā·‘aṯ (N-fs) -- Knowledge. From yada'; knowledge.">of knowledge,</a> <a href="/hebrew/191.htm" title="191: ’ĕ·wî·lîm (N-mp) -- Foolish. From an unused root; silly.">but fools</a> <a href="/hebrew/936.htm" title="936: bā·zū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To despise. A primitive root; to disrespect.">despise</a> <a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: ḥāḵ·māh (N-fs) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">wisdom</a> <a href="/hebrew/4148.htm" title="4148: ū·mū·sār (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Discipline, chastening, correction. From yacar; properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint.">and discipline.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. <a href="/psalms/111-10.htm">Psalm 111:10</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever! <a href="/job/28-28.htm">Job 28:28</a> And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:13</a> When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. <a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a> Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. <a href="/james/3-13.htm">James 3:13-18</a> Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. / But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ... <a href="/psalms/14-1.htm">Psalm 14:1</a> For the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good. <a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21-22</a> For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, <a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18-25</a> For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. / For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” / Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ... <a href="/2_timothy/3-15.htm">2 Timothy 3:15</a> From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. <a href="/proverbs/15-33.htm">Proverbs 15:33</a> The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor. <a href="/proverbs/2-5.htm">Proverbs 2:5</a> then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. <a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Isaiah 11:2</a> The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD. <a href="/colossians/2-2.htm">Colossians 2:2-3</a> that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. <a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a> Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.fear<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a> The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.<a href="/job/28-28.htm">Job 28:28</a> And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.<a href="/psalms/111-10.htm">Psalm 111:10</a> 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.beginning<a href="/proverbs/1-22.htm">Proverbs 1:22,29,30</a> How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? … <a href="/proverbs/5-12.htm">Proverbs 5:12,13</a> And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; … <a href="/proverbs/15-5.htm">Proverbs 15:5</a> A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/119-160.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/psalms/119-163.htm">Despise</a> <a href="/psalms/119-141.htm">Despised</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-3.htm">Discipline</a> <a href="/psalms/147-11.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/psalms/107-17.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/psalms/107-17.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-3.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/job/42-12.htm">Start</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-2.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/psalms/144-1.htm">Use</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-3.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/3-9.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-11.htm">Despise</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-30.htm">Despised</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-11.htm">Discipline</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-26.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-22.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-22.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-8.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-22.htm">Start</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-8.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-16.htm">Use</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-20.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 1</div>1. <a href="/proverbs/1-1.htm">The use of the proverbs</a> 7. <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">An exhortation to fear God, and believe his word</a> 10. <a href="/proverbs/1-10.htm">to avoid the enticing of sinners</a> 20. <a href="/proverbs/1-20.htm">Wisdom complains of her contempt</a> 24. <a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">She threatens her contemners</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The fear of the LORD This phrase emphasizes a reverential awe and respect for God, which is foundational in the Hebrew understanding of wisdom. In the ancient Near Eastern context, "fear" often implied a deep respect and acknowledgment of a deity's power and authority. This concept is echoed throughout the Old Testament, such as in <a href="/job/28-28.htm">Job 28:28</a> and <a href="/psalms/111-10.htm">Psalm 111:10</a>, where the fear of the Lord is linked to wisdom and understanding. It is not about being afraid in a negative sense but recognizing God's holiness and sovereignty, which leads to a life aligned with His will.is the beginning of knowledge The term "beginning" suggests that the fear of the Lord is the starting point or foundation for acquiring true knowledge. In biblical terms, knowledge is not merely intellectual but involves a moral and spiritual dimension. This aligns with the creation narrative, where God is the source of all wisdom and understanding. The Hebrew culture valued wisdom as a practical skill for living, and this verse sets the tone for the entire book of Proverbs, which is a guide for living wisely in accordance with God's principles.but fools despise wisdom and discipline In contrast to those who fear the Lord, "fools" in the biblical sense are those who reject God's ways and live according to their own understanding. The term "fool" is often used in Proverbs to describe someone who is morally deficient and lacks spiritual insight. This rejection of wisdom and discipline is not merely intellectual but is a willful disregard for God's instruction. The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on community and learning from elders, so to despise wisdom and discipline was to reject the very fabric of societal and spiritual life. This theme is further explored in <a href="/proverbs/12.htm">Proverbs 12:1 and 15</a>:5, where the consequences of rejecting wisdom are highlighted.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a> Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His eternal and self-existent nature. 3. <a href="/topical/f/fools.htm">Fools</a> In the context of Proverbs, fools are those who reject wisdom and instruction, often characterized by moral and spiritual folly. 4. <a href="/topical/w/wisdom.htm">Wisdom</a> A central theme in Proverbs, representing not just knowledge, but the practical application of God's truth in daily life. 5. <a href="/topical/d/discipline.htm">Discipline</a> The Hebrew word "musar" implies correction, instruction, and moral training, essential for acquiring wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_foundation_of_knowledge.htm">The Foundation of Knowledge</a> The fear of the Lord is not just the starting point but the foundation upon which all true knowledge is built. Reverence for God aligns our hearts and minds with His truth. <a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_true_wisdom.htm">The Nature of True Wisdom</a> True wisdom is more than intellectual understanding; it involves moral insight and the ability to apply God's principles in everyday life. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_rejecting_wisdom.htm">The Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom</a> Fools, as described in Proverbs, suffer the consequences of their rejection of wisdom and discipline. This serves as a warning to value and seek God's guidance. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_discipline_in_spiritual_growth.htm">The Role of Discipline in Spiritual Growth</a> Discipline, or "musar," is essential for spiritual growth. It involves correction and instruction, leading to maturity and a deeper relationship with God. <a href="/topical/t/the_fear_of_the_lord_as_a_lifestyle.htm">The Fear of the Lord as a Lifestyle</a> Fearing the Lord is a lifestyle choice that influences every aspect of our lives, guiding our decisions, relationships, and priorities.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 1</a> <a href="/q/are_atheists_smarter_than_believers.htm">Are atheists more intelligent than religious believers?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_critical_thinking.htm">What does the Bible say about critical thinking?</a> <a href="/q/does_fearing_god_extend_lifespan.htm">Does fearing God extend lifespan?</a> <a href="/q/effects_of_acting_foolishly.htm">What are the consequences of acting foolishly?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>2.--FIFTEEN DIDACTIC POEMS, OR DISCOURSES ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm" title="The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.">Proverbs 1:7</a> to <a href="/proverbs/9-18.htm" title="But he knows not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.">Proverbs 9:18</a>).(a) First Discourse:--Against Companionship in Robbery (<a href="/context/proverbs/1-7.htm" title="The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.">Proverbs 1:7-19</a>).(7) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.--The first discourse is prefaced by a distich, which serves as a key-note to all the teaching of the book. This expression, "the fear of the Lord," occurs thirteen times in the Proverbs, and plays a prominent part throughout the Old Testament."When God of old came down from heaven,In power and wrath He came."That law which was given amid "blackness, and darkness, and tempest" was enforced by the threat, "Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them" (<a href="/galatians/3-10.htm" title="For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.">Galatians 3:10</a>). Men had to be taught how hateful sin was to God, and the lesson was for the most part instilled into them by the fear of immediate punishment. (Comp. Deuteronomy 28) But when the lesson had been learnt, and when mankind had found by experience that they were unable to keep the law of God by their own strength, then the new covenant of mercy was revealed from Calvary, even free justification "by God's grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (<a href="/romans/3-24.htm" title="Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:">Romans 3:24</a>). And with this new message a new motive to obedience was preached. The "fear of the Lord" was now superseded by the higher duty of the "love of God," and of man, for His sake. "The love of Christ constraineth us," says St. Paul. "We love Him because He first loved us," writes St. John. Now, it was seen that, although the "fear of the Lord" may be the "beginning of wisdom," yet something better still may be aimed at: that "he that feareth is not made perfect in love;" and so the teaching of St. John, the last New Testament writer, is summed up in the words, "If God so loved us, we ought also to love one another" (<a href="/1_john/4-11.htm" title="Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.">1John 4:11</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 7-ch. 9:18. - Part II. INTRODUCTORY SECTION. The first main section of the book begins here and ends at <a href="/proverbs/9-18.htm">Proverbs 9:18</a>. It consists of a series of fifteen admonitory discourses addressed to youth by the Teacher and Wisdom personified, with the view to exhibit the excellence of wisdom, and generally to illustrate the motto, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge," or wisdom. It urges strong encouragements to virtue, and equally strong dissuasives from vice, and shows that the attainment of wisdom in its true sense is the aim of all moral effort. Verse 7. - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. This proposition is by some commentators regarded as the motto, symbol, or device of the book (Delitzsch, Umbreit, Zockler, Plumptre). Others, following the Masoretic arrangement of the Hebrew text, consider it as forming part of the superscription (Ewald, Bertheau, Elster, Keil). As a general proposition expressing the essence of the philosophy of the Israelites, and from its relation to the rest of the contents of this book, it seems rightly to occupy a special and individual position. The proposition occurs again in the Proverbs in <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>, and it is met with in similar or slightly modified forms in other books which belong to the same group of sacred writings, that is, those which treat of religious philosophy - the Khokhmah; e.g. <a href="/job/28-28.htm">Job 28:28</a>; <a href="/psalms/111-10.htm">Psalm 111:10</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:13</a>; Ecclus. 1:16, 25. With this maxim we may compare "The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom" (<a href="/proverbs/15-33.htm">Proverbs 15:33</a>). The fear of the Lord (יִרְאַת יְהוָה, yir'ath y'hovah); literally, the fear of Jehovah. The expression describes that reverential attitude or holy fear which man, when his heart is set aright, observes towards God. The original word, יִרְאַת (yir'ath) for "fear," is properly the infinitive of יָרֵא, (yare), "to fear or reverence," and as a substantive means "reverence or holy fear" (Gesenius). Servile or abject fear (as Jerome, Beda, Estius) is not to be understood, but filial fear (as Gejerus, Mercerus, Cornelius a Lapide, Cartwright), by which we fear to offend God - that fear of Jehovah which is elsewhere described as "to hate evil" (<a href="/proverbs/8-13.htm">Proverbs 8:13</a>), and in which a predominating element is love. Wardlaw remarks that the "fear of the Lord" is in invariable union with love and in invariable proportion to it. We truly fear God just in proportion as we truly love him. The fear of the Lord also carries with it the whole worship of God. It is observable that the word Jehovah (יְהוָה) is used in the Hebrew, and not Elohim (אְלֶהִים), a peculiarity which is invariably marked in the Authorized Version by small capitals. The beginning; Hebrew, רֵאשִׁית (reshith). This word has been understood in three different senses: (1) As initium, the beginning; i.e. the initial step or starting point at which every one who wishes to follow true wisdom must begin (Gejerus, Zockler, Plumptre). (2) As caput; i.e. the most excellent or principal part, the noblest or best wisdom. This sense is adopted in the marginal reading (comp. also <a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a>) (Holden, Trapp). (3) As the principium (Vulgate); i.e. the origin, or basis, as in <a href="/micah/1-12.htm">Micah 1:12</a>, "She is the origin, or basis (reshith) of the sin of the daughter of Zion." Delitzsch regards the original, reshith, as embracing the two ideas of commencement and origin, in the same way as the Greek ἀρχὴ. Wisdom has its origin in God, and whoever fears him receives it if he prays in faith (cf. <a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a>, sqq.) (Vatablus, Mercerus, Delitzsch). That the first sense, viz. that of beginning, is to be understood here appears from the parallel passage in <a href="/proverbs/10-10.htm">Proverbs 10:10</a>, where the corresponding word is תְּחִלָּת. (t'killath), "beginning," from the root חָלַל (khalal), "to begin;" cf. also the LXX. ἀρχὴ, in this sense, and the initium of the Syriac and Arabic Versions. All previous knowledge to "the fear of the Lord" is comparative folly. He who would advance in knowledge must first be imbued with a reverence or holy fear of God. But fools despise wisdom and instruction; or, according to the inverted order of the words in the original, wisdom and instruction fools despise, the association of ideas in the three words, "knowledge," "wisdom," and "instruction," thus being more continuously sustained. This arrangement links on the two latter words with "the fear of the Lord," and so helps towards the elucidation of the sense in which "fools" is to be understood Fools; ךאוִילִים (evilim), plural of ךאוִיּל (evil), from the root אָוַל (aval), "to be perverse," here properly designates the incorrigible, as in <a href="/proverbs/27-22.htm">Proverbs 27:22</a>, and those who are unwilling to know God (<a href="/jeremiah/4-22.htm">Jeremiah 4:22</a>), and hence refuse and despise wisdom and salutary discipline, those "who set at nought all his counsel, and will none of his reproof." The word is opposed to the "prudent" (<a href="/proverbs/12-16.htm">Proverbs 12:16</a>) and to the "wise" (<a href="/proverbs/10-14.htm">Proverbs 10:14</a>). Delitzsch understands it as "thick, hard, stupid," from the root aval, coalescere, incrassari. Schultens uses παχεῖς, equivalent to erassi pro stupidis, to represent the original. Dunn takes it in the same sense as "gross or dull of understanding." Fuerst, adopted by Wordsworth, regards it in the sense of having no moral stamina, from the root meaning "to be slack, weak, lax, or lazy." But none of these explanations seems, in my opinion, to coincide sufficiently with the evil and depraved activity expressed in the verb "despise," which follows, and which describes the conduct of this class. The LXX. renders the word or action by ἀσεβεῖς, equivalent to impii, "godless," "profane," and the Vulgate by stulti. Despise; בָּזוּ (bazu) is perfect, but is properly translated by the present, because the perfect here represents a condition long continued and still existing (Gesenius, § 126); cf. the Latin odi, memini, etc. The LXX. uses the future ἐξουθενήσουσιν, i.e. they will set at nought; the Vulgate, the present (despiciunt). The radical meaning is most probably contemptuous trampling under the feet (Geseuius). Wisdom and instruction (see ver. 2). The latter clause of this verse is antithetical to the former, but the antithesis is obscurely expressed. In the Authorized Version it is marked by the adversative conjunction "but," which, however, is not in the original. The LXX. has a striking interpolation in this verse between the first and second clauses, which is partly taken from <a href="/psalms/111-10.htm">Psalm 111:10</a> (Σύνεσις δέ ἀγαθὴ πᾶσι τοῖς ποιοῦσιν αὐτήν εὐσέβεια δὲ εἰς Θεὸν ἀρχὴ αἰσθήσεως, "And a good understanding have all they that do it: and reverence towards God is the beginning of knowledge"). Compare the Arabic Version, which has the same interpolation: Et intellectus bonus onmibus facientibus eam. Sana religio in Deum est initium prudentiae. <a href="/commentaries/proverbs/1-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The fear יִרְאַ֣ת (yir·’aṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3374.htm">Strong's 3374: </a> Fear, reverence of the LORD יְ֭הוָה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel [is] the beginning רֵאשִׁ֣ית (rê·šîṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7225.htm">Strong's 7225: </a> The first, in place, time, order, rank of knowledge, דָּ֑עַת (dā·‘aṯ) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1847.htm">Strong's 1847: </a> Knowledge [but] fools אֱוִילִ֥ים (’ĕ·wî·lîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> Foolish despise בָּֽזוּ׃ (bā·zū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_936.htm">Strong's 936: </a> To disrespect wisdom חָכְמָ֥ה (ḥāḵ·māh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2451.htm">Strong's 2451: </a> Wisdom and discipline. וּ֝מוּסָ֗ר (ū·mū·sār) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4148.htm">Strong's 4148: </a> Chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraint <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 1:7 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 1:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 1:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/1-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 1:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 1:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>