The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse isn't just saying that fearing God leads to knowledge; it's a foundational statement that true knowledge, in its deepest sense, begins with this reverence. Without it, what we might think of as knowledge is actually folly, a contemptible dismissal of true wisdom and guidance.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse kicks off the introductory section of Proverbs, a series of lessons for young people on how to live wisely. It sets the stage by declaring that true knowledge begins with a deep, reverent awe of God, contrasting this with foolish people who dismiss wisdom and teaching. The rest of this initial section will elaborate on this core idea, contrasting the paths of wisdom and folly.
What does it really mean to 'fear the Lord'? Is it a terrifying dread, or something more profound?
The 'fear of the Lord' isn't about being paralyzed by terror. Think of it as a deep, reverent awe – a profound respect for God's holiness, power, and justice. It's the recognition that He is God, and we are His creation. This isn't a servile or cringing fear, but a filial one, born from a love for God and a desire not to offend Him. This healthy reverence is the essential starting point for any true understanding.
Who are these 'fools' in Proverbs, and why do they actively reject wisdom?
The 'fools' in Proverbs aren't just intellectually dull; they are morally deficient. They are characterized by their self-will, their indifference to God's character and commands, and their active contempt for wisdom and instruction. They 'despise' it, meaning they trample it underfoot, considering it worthless. This rejection isn't a passive ignorance but a deliberate turning away from God's truth, proving their foolishness by their actions.
What does it mean for knowledge to have its 'beginning' in the fear of the Lord?
This verse declares that true knowledge isn't just accumulating facts; it's fundamentally rooted in our relationship with God. The 'beginning' (reshith) signifies not just the first step, but the origin, the foundation, the principle from which all genuine knowledge flows. When we approach God with awe and reverence, we open ourselves to His wisdom, which is the ultimate source of all understanding. Knowledge disconnected from God is ultimately vain and unproductive.
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Understand the original words
yirah · Hebrew Noun
A reverential awe, respect, and submission toward the holiness, power, and authority of God. It is the foundational posture of the heart that leads to true wisdom and covenant obedience.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The LORD is the personal covenant name of God (Yahweh), signifying His eternal self-existence, faithfulness, and the source of all revelation.
ewil · Hebrew Noun
Moral or spiritual ignorance resulting from a rejection of God’s wisdom. A fool is characterized not by lack of intelligence, but by a stubborn choice to ignore divine truth.
chokmah · Hebrew Noun
Practical skill in godly living and the ability to apply divine truth to the circumstances of life. In Scripture, it is inseparable from obedience and the fear of God.
musar · Hebrew Noun
Correction, discipline, or chastenings meant to lead a person toward maturity and godly character. It often implies a process of training that can involve difficulty.
This passage echoes the theme, stating that true wisdom is found in fearing the Lord and departing from evil.
Psalm 111:10It directly mirrors the verse, calling the fear of the LORD the beginning of good understanding and a basis for wisdom.
Luke 12:48This New Testament passage highlights the contrast between those who have knowledge of God's will and act on it, and those who don't, linking responsibility and consequence to one's understanding.
Romans 1:22This verse describes people who claim to be wise but become fools because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie, showing the folly of rejecting divine knowledge.
1 John 4:18It explains that perfect love casts out fear, suggesting that while the 'fear of the Lord' is the beginning, mature faith grows into a love that eliminates paralyzing dread.
pulpitProverbs 1:7: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Verse 7-ch. 9:18. - Part II. INTRODUCTORY SECTION. The first main section of the book begins here and ends at Proverbs 9:18. 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 wi…
clarkeProverbs 1:7: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
The fear of the Lord - In the preceding verses Solomon shows the advantage of acting according to the dictates of wisdom; in the following verses he shows the danger of acting contrary to them. The fear of the Lord signifies that religious reverence which every intelligent being owes to his Creator; and is often used to express the whole of religion, as we have frequently had occasion t…
The verse isn't just saying that fearing God leads to knowledge; it's a foundational statement that true knowledge, in its deepest sense, begins with this reverence. Without it, what we might think of as knowledge is actually folly, a contemptible dismissal of true wisdom and guidance.
This verse kicks off the introductory section of Proverbs, a series of lessons for young people on how to live wisely. It sets the stage by declaring that true knowledge begins with a deep, reverent awe of God, contrasting this with foolish people who dismiss wisdom and teaching. The rest of this initial section will elaborate on this core idea, contrasting the paths of wisdom and folly.
This verse kicks off the introductory section of Proverbs, a series of lessons for young people on how to live wisely. It sets the stage by declaring that true knowledge begins with a deep, reverent awe of God, contrasting this with foolish people who dismiss wisdom and teaching. The rest of this initial section will elaborate on this core idea, contrasting the paths of wisdom and folly.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." — The verse isn't just saying that fearing God leads to knowledge; it's a foundational statement that true knowledge, in its deepest sense, begins with this reverence. Without it, what we might thi…
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Last reviewed October 2026