Keraia
Proverbs 1

Proverbs 1:7

The Beginning of Knowledge · Proverbs 1:1–7
Read Proverbs 1

Translations

Modern
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Traditional
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Literal
The fear of YHWH is the beginning of knowledge; wisdom and instruction fools have despised.
Latin
Timor Domini principium sapientiæ; sapientiam atque doctrinam stulti despiciunt.

Original

Hebrew
English
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Notes

Proverbs 1:7

Fear of the Lord means relying completely on God for everything, including knowledge and wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). It is not just a way of thinking; it involves serving, loving, and obeying God’s laws (see Deuteronomy 10:12–13). Fear of the Lord is the basis of all knowledge. How can we understand life without knowing its most basic truth—that God created it?

Proverbs 1:2–7

This introduction explains the book's purpose and identifies the different audiences it addresses.

Parallels

Proverbs 9:1–12

Glossary

Proverbs, Book of Wisdom

Topics

Advice Age and Wisdom Being Brave Blindness: Spiritual Christian Education Education Fear of God: Reverence Fear of the Lord Fool: General Scriptures Concerning Fools: Despise Instruction Hurting Other Believers Knowledge: The Fear (Reverence) of the Lord is the Beginning of Lack of Knowledge Learning Reverence Seeking Knowledge Seeking Wisdom Titles and Names of the Wicked: Fools Ungratefulness Wisdom: Spiritual: Unclassified Scriptures Relating to Wise Counsel Wise Man Young Men: General Scriptures Concerning