Proverbs 9:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

NIV: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

NASB: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

CSB: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

NLT: Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.

KJV: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

NKJV: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

The dividing line between those who are "wise" or "righteous" in their approach to wisdom (Proverbs 9:8–9) and those who are foolish and wicked is in this fundamental principle. This is a statement made often in Proverbs and echoed elsewhere in the Bible (Proverbs 1:7; 15:33; Psalm 111:10; Job 28:28). The word translated "beginning" here is from the root tachillah, which implies a foundation or an origin. In this context, Solomon means it is a prerequisite for wisdom. Without a humble, sincere reverence for who God is, a person will be arrogant and instinctively lash out when they are corrected (Proverbs 9:7).

No one can be truly wise unless he fears the Lord. The term "fear of the Lord," occurs more than a dozen times in the book of Proverbs. This is not "just" respect, but it does not imply terror or panic. The idea is one of humility, deep reverence, and submission. The basis for fearing God in this way is belief that He is holy and hates and punishes sin. Those who properly understand God's role have a clear view of reality, leading to insight and better outcomes.

After the exodus from Egypt, God pronounced blessings upon Israel if the people faithfully obeyed Him, but He also pronounced curses upon them if they refused to obey Him. He warns, "If you are not careful to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and awesome name, the LORD your God, then the LORD will bring on you and your offspring extraordinary afflictions, afflictions severe and lasting, and sicknesses grievous and lasting" (Deuteronomy 28:58–59). The same passage continues to warn that a lack of fear of the Lord will diminish Israel's population and bring ruin on the nation, removal from the Promised Land, dispersion, fear, and persecution.

Proverbs 9:7–12 bridges the other two sections of this chapter. The first depicts Wisdom as a generous, benevolent woman calling on others to respond to her invitation and live (Proverbs 9:1–6). The last segment portrays Wisdom's mirror image, Folly, who entices others with lies and deception, leading to their death. In this section of Proverbs 9, Solomon describes what is at stake in the decision between these two proverbial women. This also notes the inherent difference between those who sincerely seek wisdom, versus those who can only stand to be told what they want to hear.

Wisdom is portrayed as a dignified woman who prepares a spacious house and feast. She invites those who are gullible and lacking judgment to improve their wisdom, by accepting her invitation. She urges invitees to abandon their simple ways and walk in the way of insight. Solomon then contrasts the attitudes of those who sincerely seek truth, compared to those who hate being corrected. The chapter ends with a description of Wisdom's mirror image: Folly. She is seductive and ignorant. She invites the gullible to enter her house, promising that immorality is enjoyable and pleasant. Sadly, those who are seduced do not realize her invitation leads to ruin and damnation.

In chapter 7, Solomon portrayed an evil woman (Proverbs 7:7–27). In chapter 8 he portrays wisdom as a refined lady who offers instruction to all who heed her call. Chapter 9 contrasts Lady Wisdom with the evil Woman Folly, who lures the foolish to their ruin. This extended warning about the dangers of rejecting God's wisdom leads into an extended collection of standalone proverbial comments, beginning in chapter 10.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.