Proverbs 1:7

5 ^aA wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will¹ attain wise counsel,

6 To understand a proverb and an enigma,
The words of the wise and their ^ariddles.

7 ^aThe fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Shun Evil Counsel

8 ^aMy son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother;

9 For they will be a ^agraceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck.

10 My son, if sinners entice you,
^aDo not consent.

11 If they say, “Come with us,
Let us ^alie in wait to shed blood;
Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;

12 Let us swallow them alive like¹ Sheol,
And whole, ^alike those who go down to the Pit;

Commentaries:

Barnes' Notes

<< Proverbs 1:6

Proverbs 1:8 >>

Proverbs 1:7

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.

**Other Barnes' Notes entries containing Proverbs 1:7:**

Genesis 1:1
Job 1:1
Job 28:28
Psalms 19:9
Psalms 111:10
Proverbs 1:1
Proverbs 15:3
Isaiah 11:2
Isaiah 29:13
Acts 9:31
Romans 10:19
1 Peter 1:17
1 Peter 2:17
Revelation 11:18

<< Proverbs 1:6

Proverbs 1:8 >>

DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.