Proverbs 1:7

“The fear of the Lord [is] the beginning of knowledge, etc.] Here properly the book begins, and this is the first of the proverbs, and an excellent one; it is such an one as is not to be found in all the writings of the Heathens. By “the fear of the Lord” is not meant a servile fear, a fear of punishment, of hell, wrath, and damnation, which is the effect of the first work of the law upon the conscience; but a filial fear, and supposes knowledge of God as a father, of his love and grace in Christ, particularly of his forgiving love, from whence it arises, (<19D004>Psalm 130:4 <280305>Hosea 3:5); it is a holy, humble, fiducial fear of God; a reverential affection for him, and devotion to him;…”

“The fear of the Lord--the principle of true piety (compare Pro 2:5; Pro 14:26-27; Job 28:28; Psa 34:11; Psa 111:10; Act 9:31). beginning--first part, foundation. fools--the stupid and indifferent to God's character and government; hence the wicked.”

“The beginning of wisdom is found in the temper of reverence and awe. The fear of the finite in the presence of the Infinite, of the sinful in the presence of the Holy (compare Job 42:5-6), this for the Israelite was the starting-point of all true wisdom. In the Book of Job 28:28 it appears as an oracle accompanied by the noblest poetry. In Psalms 111:10 it comes as the choral close of a temple hymn. Here it is the watchword of a true ethical education. This fear has no torment, and is compatible with child-like love. But this and not love is the “beginning of wisdom.” Through successive stages and by the discipline of life, love blends with it and makes it perfect. return to 'Top of Page'”

“The fear - Reverence and obedience to God. Beginning - The foundation without which all other knowledge is vain. Fools - That is, wicked men, are so far from attaining true wisdom, that they despise it, and all the means of getting it. Proverbs 1:8”

“1:7 Fear of the Lord recognizes total dependence on God for everything, including knowledge and wisdom (9:10). It is not just a mental attitude but involves service, love, and obeying God’s laws (see Deut 10:12-13). Fear of the Lord is the basis of all knowledge. How can we understand life without knowing the most fundamental truth about it—that it is God’s creation?”

“fear: Pro 9:10; Job 28:28; Psa 111:10, Psa 112:1; Ecc 12:13 beginning: or, principal part but: Pro 1:22, Pro 1:29, Pro 1:30, Pro 5:12, Pro 5:13, Pro 15:5, Pro 18:2; Joh 3:18-21; Rom 1:28 Proverbs 1:8”