◄ Proverbs 9:10 ►
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Study Bible
The fear of the LORD
The phrase "the fear of the LORD" is central to understanding the wisdom literature of the Bible. In Hebrew, the word for "fear" is "yirah," which encompasses a profound respect, reverence, and awe for God. This is not a fear that paralyzes but one that inspires a deep sense of worship and obedience. Historically, this concept is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where reverence for God was foundational to the community's identity and moral framework. In a conservative Christian perspective, this fear is seen as the beginning of a relationship with God, acknowledging His sovereignty and holiness.

is the beginning
The word "beginning" in Hebrew is "reshit," which signifies the starting point or the principal part. It implies that the fear of the LORD is not just an initial step but the foundational principle upon which all wisdom is built. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wisdom was highly valued, and its pursuit was considered essential for a well-ordered life. For believers, this underscores the idea that true wisdom cannot be attained apart from a right relationship with God, as He is the source of all truth and understanding.

of wisdom
"Wisdom" in Hebrew is "chokmah," which refers to skillful living and the application of knowledge in daily life. It is more than intellectual understanding; it is practical and moral insight that aligns with God's will. In the biblical context, wisdom is personified and is seen as a divine attribute that God imparts to those who seek Him. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, wisdom is a gift from God that enables believers to navigate life's complexities in a manner that honors Him.

and knowledge
The term "knowledge" in Hebrew is "da'at," which involves perception, discernment, and understanding. It is closely related to wisdom but emphasizes the cognitive aspect of knowing God's truth. In the scriptural context, knowledge is not merely factual but relational, involving an intimate acquaintance with God's character and purposes. For Christians, this knowledge is deepened through the study of Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

of the Holy One
"The Holy One" refers to God, emphasizing His purity, otherness, and moral perfection. In Hebrew, "qadosh" is the word for "holy," highlighting God's distinctness from His creation. This title for God underscores His transcendence and the call for His people to reflect His holiness in their lives. In a conservative Christian understanding, recognizing God as the Holy One is crucial for cultivating a life of holiness and devotion.

is understanding
"Understanding" in Hebrew is "binah," which involves insight and discernment. It is the ability to see things as they truly are, from God's perspective. This understanding is not innate but is developed through a relationship with God and a commitment to His ways. In the biblical narrative, understanding is often linked with obedience, as true comprehension of God's will leads to a life that aligns with His purposes. For believers, this understanding is both a gift and a responsibility, calling them to live in a way that reflects God's wisdom and truth.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, representing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with His people.

2. The Holy One
A title for God, emphasizing His purity, holiness, and separateness from sin and imperfection.

3. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, known for his wisdom and his role as the king of Israel.

4. Israel
The nation to whom the Proverbs were originally addressed, representing God's chosen people.

5. Wisdom Literature
A genre of biblical writing that includes Proverbs, focusing on practical and moral teachings.
Teaching Points
The Foundation of Wisdom
True wisdom begins with a reverent fear of the Lord. This fear is not terror but a profound respect and awe for God's majesty and holiness.

Understanding Through Relationship
Knowledge of the Holy One implies an intimate relationship with God. Understanding comes from knowing God personally and deeply.

Holiness and Wisdom
The pursuit of holiness is integral to gaining wisdom. As we grow in holiness, we align our lives with God's will, which is the essence of wisdom.

Practical Obedience
Wisdom is not merely intellectual but practical. It involves living out God's commandments in everyday life.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in imparting wisdom and understanding. Believers should seek the Spirit's guidance in their pursuit of wisdom.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the fear of the Lord differ from other types of fear, and why is it foundational to wisdom?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a deeper knowledge of the Holy One in our daily lives?

3. How does understanding God's holiness impact our decision-making and lifestyle choices?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our pursuit of wisdom is aligned with God's will?

5. How can we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us in our quest for wisdom and understanding?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Job 28:28
This verse echoes the theme that the fear of the Lord is wisdom, reinforcing the idea that true wisdom is rooted in reverence for God.

Psalm 111:10
Similar to Proverbs 9:10, it states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, linking wisdom with obedience to God's commandments.

Ecclesiastes 12:13
Concludes with the idea that fearing God and keeping His commandments is the whole duty of man, connecting wisdom with practical obedience.

James 1:5
Encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, indicating that wisdom is a divine gift that begins with a proper relationship with God.

Isaiah 11:2
Describes the Spirit of the Lord as a spirit of wisdom and understanding, connecting the fear of the Lord with the work of the Holy Spirit.
Sermons
A Just Conception of GodThomas Sherlock, D. D.Proverbs 9:10
The Beginning of WisdomC. J. Goodhart, M.A.Proverbs 9:10
The Fear of the LordW. Moodie, D. D.Proverbs 9:10
True Religion the Evidence of a Good UnderstandingArchbp. Secker.Proverbs 9:10
Digging Deep Rising High, Lasting LongW. Clarkson Proverbs 9:10, 11
Recurrence to First PrinciplesE. Johnson Proverbs 9:10-12
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
All-holy, Beginning, Commencement, Fear, Gives, Holy, Insight, Intelligence, Mind, Ones, Start, Understanding, Wisdom, Wise
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 9:10

     4909   beginning
     5028   knowledge, God source of human
     5302   education
     5667   children, responsibilities to God
     5763   attitudes, positive to God
     5894   intelligence
     8335   reverence, and blessing
     8355   understanding
     8365   wisdom, human
     8409   decision-making, and providence

Proverbs 9:9-10

     8227   discernment, nature of

Library
The Temple of Wisdom
(Preached at Wellington College, All Saints' Day, 1866.) PROVERBS ix. 1-5. Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: she hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. She hath sent forth her maidens; she crieth upon the highest places of the city, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and to him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. This allegory has been …
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

The Dryness of Preachers, and the Various Evils which Arise from their Failing to Teach Heart-Prayer --Exhortation to Pastors to Lead People Towards this Form Of
If all those who are working for the conquest of souls sought to win them by the heart, leading them first of all to prayer and to the inner life, they would see many and lasting conversions. But so long as they only address themselves to the outside, and instead of drawing people to Christ by occupying their hearts with Him, they only give them a thousand precepts for outward observances, they will see but little fruit, and that will not be lasting. When once the heart is won, other defects are …
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents

Letter xxi (Circa A. D. 1128) to the Abbot of S. John at Chartres
To the Abbot of S. John at Chartres Bernard dissuades him from resigning his charge, and undertaking a Pilgrimage to Jerusalem. 1. As regards the matters about which you were so good as to consult so humble a person as myself, I had at first determined not to reply. Not because I had any doubt what to say, but because it seemed to me unnecessary or even presumptuous to give counsel to a man of sense and wisdom. But considering that it usually happens that the greater number of persons of sense--or …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

To Pastors and Teachers
To Pastors and Teachers If all who laboured for the conversion of others were to introduce them immediately into Prayer and the Interior Life, and make it their main design to gain and win over the heart, numberless as well as permanent conversions would certainly ensue. On the contrary, few and transient fruits must attend that labour which is confined to outward matters; such as burdening the disciple with a thousand precepts for external exercises, instead of leaving the soul to Christ by the …
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer

From his Entrance on the Ministry in 1815, to his Commission to Reside in Germany in 1820
1815.--After the long season of depression through which John Yeardley passed, as described in the last chapter, the new year of 1815 dawned with brightness upon his mind. He now at length saw his spiritual bonds loosed; and the extracts which follow describe his first offerings in the ministry in a simple and affecting manner. 1 mo. 5.--The subject of the prophet's going down to the potter's house opened so clearly on my mind in meeting this morning that I thought I could almost have publicly …
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
2 Tim. iii. 16.--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." We told you that there was nothing more necessary to know than what our end is, and what the way is that leads to that end. We see the most part of men walking at random,--running an uncertain race,--because they do not propose unto themselves a certain scope to aim at, and whither to direct their whole course. According to men's particular …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
The object of this chapter is to present a rudimentary outline and summary of all that Augustin penned or spoke against those traditional North African Christians whom he was pleased to regard as schismatics. It will be arranged, so far as may be, in chronological order, following the dates suggested by the Benedictine edition. The necessary brevity precludes anything but a very meagre treatment of so considerable a theme. The writer takes no responsibility for the ecclesiological tenets of the …
St. Augustine—writings in connection with the donatist controversy.

The Gospel Feast
"When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"--John vi. 5. After these words the Evangelist adds, "And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do." Thus, you see, our Lord had secret meanings when He spoke, and did not bring forth openly all His divine sense at once. He knew what He was about to do from the first, but He wished to lead forward His disciples, and to arrest and …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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