The Fear of the Lord
Passage: Proverbs 1:1-9
The book states its purpose.
Overview
'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.' Hear your father's instruction and your mother's law.
Going deeper
Wisdom starts with right relationship to God, not cleverness. Fear means reverent awe and trust.
Key verses (KJV)
- Proverbs 1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
- Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
From the commentaries
5, 6. Such writings the wise, who pursue right ends by right means, will value. learning—not the act, but matter of it. wise counsels—or the art and principles of governing.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown, Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871)
Verse 5 A wise man wilt hear - I shall not only give such instructions as may be suitable to the youthful and inexperienced, but also to those who have much knowledge and understanding. So said St. Paul: We speak wisdom among them that are perfect. This and the following verse are connected in the old MS. and in Coverdale: "By hearyinge the wyse man shall come by more wysdome; and by experience he shall be more apte to understonde a parable and the interpretation thereof; the wordes of the wyse and the darke speaches of the same."
Adam Clarke, Adam Clarke's Commentary (1810-1826)
Application
- What does it mean to 'fear' the LORD?
- Who has given you wise instruction?
- What does a fool despise?