What does Proverbs 1:29 mean?

Proverbs 1:7 is the key verse for the entire book. Verse 29 emphasizes how ignoring this crucial tip results in catastrophe. True wisdom is always grounded in a healthy, respectful, reverent "fear" of God. When we choose not to fear the Lord, when we choose not to place Him in His proper place in our lives, we despise knowledge, and refuse to act wisely.

The use of terms such as "hate" and "despise" in these passages needs to be understood in context. Writings of this time and place often used extreme contrasts to make a point. In this case, those who preferred to be ignorant, rather than follow the truth, are said to "hate" knowledge. This isn't meant in an absolute or overly literal sense. In symbolic terms, and as used in this type of literature, it means that they rejected knowledge—true knowledge, which is rooted in respect for God—in favor of something else.