Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
The fear of the LORD
The phrase "The fear of the LORD" is foundational in the book of Proverbs and throughout the Bible. In Hebrew, the word for "fear" is "yirah," which can mean terror, respect, or reverence. In this context, it signifies a profound respect and awe for God, recognizing His power, holiness, and authority. This reverence is not about being afraid of God in a negative sense but about acknowledging His rightful place as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Historically, the Israelites understood this fear as the beginning of wisdom, a concept deeply rooted in their covenant relationship with God. It is the starting point for a life that seeks to align with God's will and purposes.

is the beginning
The word "beginning" in Hebrew is "reshit," which implies the first, chief, or principal part. It suggests that the fear of the LORD is not just an initial step but the foundation upon which all wisdom is built. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wisdom was highly valued, and its pursuit was seen as essential for a successful and righteous life. By stating that the fear of the LORD is the beginning, the verse emphasizes that true wisdom cannot be attained without first acknowledging and revering God. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, underscoring the importance of a God-centered worldview.

of knowledge
"Knowledge" in this context is more than just intellectual understanding; it encompasses moral insight and discernment. The Hebrew word "da'at" refers to a deep, intimate understanding that comes from experience and relationship. In the biblical sense, knowledge is closely tied to living in accordance with God's truth. It involves recognizing His character and commands and applying them to one's life. The pursuit of knowledge, therefore, is not merely academic but is a spiritual journey that leads to a deeper relationship with God and a more profound understanding of His creation.

but fools
The term "fools" is translated from the Hebrew word "ewil," which describes someone who is morally deficient and lacks judgment. In the wisdom literature of the Bible, a fool is not simply someone who is uneducated or ignorant but someone who rejects God's wisdom and chooses to live according to their own desires. This rejection of divine wisdom is seen as folly because it leads to destructive and unfulfilling paths. The contrast between the wise and the foolish is a recurring theme in Proverbs, highlighting the consequences of one's choices in relation to God's revealed truth.

despise wisdom and discipline
To "despise" means to regard with contempt or disdain. The Hebrew word "bazah" conveys a strong sense of rejection and scorn. "Wisdom" (Hebrew "chokmah") and "discipline" (Hebrew "musar") are closely linked in the biblical text. Wisdom involves the skillful application of knowledge in daily life, while discipline refers to correction and instruction that leads to moral and spiritual growth. Together, they represent the comprehensive guidance that God offers to His people. Fools, by despising these gifts, cut themselves off from the life-giving instruction that God provides, choosing instead a path that leads away from His blessings and protection. This verse serves as a stark warning and a call to embrace the wisdom and discipline that come from a reverent relationship with the LORD.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His eternal and self-existent nature.

3. Fools
In the context of Proverbs, fools are those who reject wisdom and instruction, often characterized by moral and spiritual folly.

4. Wisdom
A central theme in Proverbs, representing not just knowledge, but the practical application of God's truth in daily life.

5. Discipline
The Hebrew word "musar" implies correction, instruction, and moral training, essential for acquiring wisdom.
Teaching Points
The Foundation of Knowledge
The fear of the Lord is not just the starting point but the foundation upon which all true knowledge is built. Reverence for God aligns our hearts and minds with His truth.

The Nature of True Wisdom
True wisdom is more than intellectual understanding; it involves moral insight and the ability to apply God's principles in everyday life.

The Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom
Fools, as described in Proverbs, suffer the consequences of their rejection of wisdom and discipline. This serves as a warning to value and seek God's guidance.

The Role of Discipline in Spiritual Growth
Discipline, or "musar," is essential for spiritual growth. It involves correction and instruction, leading to maturity and a deeper relationship with God.

The Fear of the Lord as a Lifestyle
Fearing the Lord is a lifestyle choice that influences every aspect of our lives, guiding our decisions, relationships, and priorities.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the fear of the Lord serve as the foundation for knowledge in your personal life?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your daily routine?

3. Reflect on a time when you ignored wisdom and discipline. What were the consequences, and what did you learn from the experience?

4. How can the principles in Proverbs 1:7 be applied to modern challenges, such as decision-making in career or relationships?

5. Compare the concept of wisdom in Proverbs 1:7 with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. How do they complement each other?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Job 28:28
This verse echoes the sentiment that the fear of the Lord is wisdom, reinforcing the foundational role of reverence for God in acquiring true understanding.

Psalm 111:10
Similar to Proverbs 1:7, it states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, linking reverence for God with a life of obedience and understanding.

Ecclesiastes 12:13
Solomon concludes that fearing God and keeping His commandments is the whole duty of man, tying the fear of the Lord to practical obedience.

James 1:5
Encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, highlighting the divine source of true wisdom and understanding.

Matthew 7:24-27
Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders illustrates the importance of applying God's words, akin to the wisdom and folly contrast in Proverbs.
A Plea for ReverenceL. Abbott, . D. D.Proverbs 1:7
A Reverent Fear of GodFrancis Taylor.Proverbs 1:7
Filial LoveW. Arnot, D. D.Proverbs 1:7
How is the Fear of the Lord the Beginning of Knowledge?Monday Club SermonsProverbs 1:7
PietyHomilistProverbs 1:7
Practical PietyN. Brady.Proverbs 1:7
Religion the True BeginningE. Johnson Proverbs 1:7
The Fear of the LordJ. Edmunds.Proverbs 1:7
The First Rudiments of KnowledgeDean Alford.Proverbs 1:7
The Foundation TruthW. Clarkson Proverbs 1:7
The Root of KnowledgeWilliam Arnot, D. D.Proverbs 1:7
Authoritative MaximsW. H. Lewis, D. D.Proverbs 1:1-7
Profitable Use of the Book of ProverbsF. B. Meyer, B. A.Proverbs 1:1-7
Proverbial Sayings of Wise MenChristian Million.Proverbs 1:1-7
ProverbsProverbs 1:1-7
The Book of ProverbsDean Burgon.Proverbs 1:1-7
The PreacherWilliam Arnot, D.D.Proverbs 1:1-7
The Proverbs of SolomonE. L. Magoon.Proverbs 1:1-7
The Proverbs of SolomonJohn Jorton, D. D.Proverbs 1:1-7
Truths Made Compact and PortableProverbs 1:1-7
People
David, Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Beginning, Despise, Despised, Discipline, Fear, Foolish, Fools, Instruction, Start, Teaching, Wisdom
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 1:7

     4909   beginning
     5028   knowledge, God source of human
     5302   education
     5763   attitudes, positive to God
     5929   resentment, against people
     8335   reverence, and blessing
     8365   wisdom, human
     8463   priority, of faith, hope and love
     8754   fear
     8757   folly, effects of

Library
A Young Man's Best Counsellor
'The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; 2. To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3. To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; 4. To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion, 5. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: 6. To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. 7.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Wisdom's Call
'Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: 21. She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, 22. How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? 23. Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my Spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. 24. Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Baxter -- Making Light of Christ and Salvation
Richard Baxter, was born in 1615, at Rowton, near Shrewsbury, in England. After surmounting great difficulties in securing an education for the ministry he was ordained in 1638, in the Church of England, his first important charge being that of Kidderminster, where he established his reputation as a powerful evangelical and controversial preacher. Altho opposed to Cromwell's extreme acts, he became a chaplain in the army of the Rebellion. His influence was all on the side of peace, however, and at
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Vol. 2

A Preface to the Reader.
The Sum of the Preface. 1-8. Objections before and since the author's death made against the publishing of this doctrine. 9-10. The first objection: Because the knowledge and practice of it belongs to few: answered. 11-15. A second objection, viz. Because suspicion may be given to Catholics of pretending to new illuminations, prejudicial to the doctrine of faith and rules of life established in the Church: answered largely, and the contrary demonstrated. 16-20. What illuminations are here meant,
Ven. F. Augustine Baker—Holy Wisdom: or, Directions for the Prayer of Contemplation

Creation and Re-Creation.
"Behold, I will pour out My Spirit unto you."--Prov. i. 23. We approach the special work of the Holy Spirit in Re-creation. We have seen that the Holy Spirit had a part in the creation of all things, particularly in creating man, and most particularly in endowing him with gifts and talents; also that His creative work affects the upholding of "things," of "man," and of "talents," through the providence of God; and that in this double series of threefold activity the Spirit's work is intimately connected
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Man to be Wrought Upon.
"Behold, I will pour out My Spirit unto you, I will make known My Words unto you."--Prov. i. 23. The discussion so far has been confined to the Holy Spirit's work in the Church as a whole. We now consider His work in individual persons. There is a distinction between the Church as a whole and its individual members. There is a Body of Christ, and there are members which constitute a part of that Body. And the character of the Holy Spirit's work in the one is necessarily different from that of the
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Great Unknown
"I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out My hand, and no man regarded."--Prov. i. 24. "There standeth One among you, whom ye know not."--John i. 26. C. P. C. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 Why dost Thou pass unheeded, Treading with piercèd feet The halls of the kingly palace, The busy street? Oh marvellous in Thy beauty, Crowned with the light of God, Why fall they not down to worship Where Thou has trod? Why are Thy hands extended Beseeching whilst men pass by With their empty
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series)

How the Whole and the Sick are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 13.) Differently to be admonished are the whole and the sick. For the whole are to be admonished that they employ the health of the body to the health of the soul: lest, if they turn the grace of granted soundness to the use of iniquity, they be made worse by the gift, and afterwards merit the severer punishments, in that they fear not now to use amiss the more bountiful gifts of God. The whole are to be admonished that they despise not the opportunity of winning health for ever.
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

How those are to be Admonished with whom Everything Succeeds According to their Wish, and those with whom Nothing Does.
(Admonition 27.) Differently to be admonished are those who prosper in what they desire in temporal matters, and those who covet indeed the things that are of this world, but yet are wearied with the labour of adversity. For those who prosper in what they desire in temporal matters are to be admonished, when all things answer to their wishes, lest, through fixing their heart on what is given, they neglect to seek the giver; lest they love their pilgrimage instead of their country; lest they turn
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Reader Reminded How Much He Needs the Assistance of the Spirit of God to Form Him to the Temper Described Above, and what Encouragement He
1. Forward resolutions may prove ineffectual.--2. Yet religion is not to be given up in despair, but Divine grace to be sought.--3. A general view of its reality and necessity, from reason.--4. And Scripture.--5. The spirit to be sought as the spirit of Christ.--6. And in that view the great strength of the soul.--7. The encouragement there is to hope for the communication of it.--8. A concluding exhortation to pray for it. And an humble address to God pursuant to that exhortation. I HAVE now laid
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

Concerning Perseverance, and the Possibility of Falling from Grace.
Concerning Perseverance, and the Possibility of Falling from Grace. Although this gift and inward grace of God be sufficient to work out salvation, yet in those in whom it is resisted, it both may and doth become their condemnation. Moreover, they in whose hearts it hath wrought in part to purify and sanctify them in order to their further perfection, may, by disobedience, fall from it, turn it to wantonness, Jude iv. make shipwreck of faith, 1 Tim. i. 19. and after having tasted the heavenly gift,
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

How the Obstinate and the Fickle are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 19.) Differently to be admonished are the obstinate and the fickle. The former are to be told that they think more of themselves than they are, and therefore do not acquiesce in the counsels of others: but the latter are to be given to understand that they undervalue and disregard themselves too much, and so are turned aside from their own judgment in successive moments of time. Those are to be told that, unless they esteemed themselves better than the rest of men, they would by no
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
We come now to speak more particularly to the words; and, first, Of his being a way. Our design being to point at the way of use-making of Christ in all our necessities, straits, and difficulties which are in our way to heaven; and particularly to point out the way how believers should make use of Christ in all their particular exigencies; and so live by faith in him, walk in him, grow up in him, advance and march forward toward glory in him. It will not be amiss to speak of this fulness of Christ
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Lii. Concerning Hypocrisy, Worldly Anxiety, Watchfulness, and his Approaching Passion.
(Galilee.) ^C Luke XII. 1-59. ^c 1 In the meantime [that is, while these things were occurring in the Pharisee's house], when the many thousands of the multitude were gathered together, insomuch that they trod one upon another [in their eagerness to get near enough to Jesus to see and hear] , he began to say unto his disciples first of all [that is, as the first or most appropriate lesson], Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. [This admonition is the key to the understanding
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Second Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Brotherly Love.
Text: 1 John 3, 13-18. 13 Marvel not, brethren, if the world hateth you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not abideth in death. 15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16 Hereby know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath the world's goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

Li. Dining with a Pharisee, Jesus Denounces that Sect.
^C Luke XI. 37-54. ^c 37 Now as he spake, a Pharisee asketh him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. [The repast to which Jesus was invited was a morning meal, usually eaten between ten and eleven o'clock. The principal meal of the day was eaten in the evening. Jesus dined with all classes, with publicans and Pharisees, with friends and enemies.] 38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first bathed himself before dinner. [The Pharisee marveled at this because
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Twentieth Sunday after Trinity the Careful Walk of the Christian.
Text: Ephesians 5, 15-21. 15 Look therefore carefully how ye walk [See then that ye walk circumspectly], not as unwise, but as wise; 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit; 19 speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 giving thanks always for all things
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

Sundry Sharp Reproofs
This doctrine draws up a charge against several sorts: 1 Those that think themselves good Christians, yet have not learned this art of holy mourning. Luther calls mourning a rare herb'. Men have tears to shed for other things, but have none to spare for their sins. There are many murmurers, but few mourners. Most are like the stony ground which lacked moisture' (Luke 8:6). We have many cry out of hard times, but they are not sensible of hard hearts. Hot and dry is the worst temper of the body. Sure
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Extent of Atonement.
VI. For whose benefit the atonement was intended. 1. God does all things for himself; that is, he consults his own glory and happiness, as the supreme and most influential reason for all his conduct. This is wise and right in him, because his own glory and happiness are infinitely the greatest good in and to the universe. He made the atonement to satisfy himself. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

The Wrath of God
What does every sin deserve? God's wrath and curse, both in this life, and in that which is to come. Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire.' Matt 25: 41. Man having sinned, is like a favourite turned out of the king's favour, and deserves the wrath and curse of God. He deserves God's curse. Gal 3: 10. As when Christ cursed the fig-tree, it withered; so, when God curses any, he withers in his soul. Matt 21: 19. God's curse blasts wherever it comes. He deserves also God's wrath, which is
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

"And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up Himself to Take Hold on Thee,"
Isaiah lxiv. 7.--"And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold on thee," &c. They go on in the confession of their sins. Many a man hath soon done with that a general notion of sin is the highest advancement in repentance that many attain to. You may see here sin and judgment mixed in thorough other(315) in their complaint. They do not so fix their eyes upon their desolate estate of captivity, as to forget their provocations. Many a man would spend more affection,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." All men love to have privileges above others. Every one is upon the design and search after some well-being, since Adam lost that which was true happiness. We all agree upon the general notion of it, but presently men divide in the following of particulars. Here all men are united in seeking after some good; something to satisfy their souls, and satiate their desires. Nay, but they
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs
[Sidenote: Role of the sages in Israel's life] In the days of Jeremiah and Ezekiel (Jer. xviii. 18; Ezek. vii. 26) three distinct classes of religious teachers were recognized by the people: the prophets, the priests, and the wise men or sages. From their lips and pens have come practically all the writings of the Old Testament. Of these three classes the wise men or sages are far less prominent or well known. They wrote no history of Israel, they preached no public sermons, nor do they appear
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

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