“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”
— Proverbs 9:10
Introduction
In a world filled with information but lacking truth, Scripture draws a clear line between human knowledge and divine wisdom. The Bible does not teach that wisdom begins with education, experience, or intellect. It declares that wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. True understanding is not discovered by human reason alone but is revealed through the knowledge of the Holy One. Proverbs 9:10 stands as a foundational truth for every believer: wisdom and understanding are spiritual realities rooted in right relationship with God.
The Fear of the Lord Defined
The fear of the Lord is not terror or dread, but reverent awe, holy respect, and obedient submission to God. It is the recognition of who God is—holy, sovereign, righteous, and eternal—and who we are in light of Him.
Scripture consistently affirms this truth:
- “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7).
- “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life” (Proverbs 22:4).
To fear the Lord is to take God seriously. It is to order one’s life according to His Word, not personal preference. Where the fear of the Lord is absent, wisdom cannot flourish, no matter how advanced human learning may be.
Wisdom Begins, Not Ends, with Fear
Proverbs teaches that fear is the beginning of wisdom, not the completion of it. This means reverence for God is the starting point from which all true wisdom grows. Without this foundation, human reasoning becomes prideful and deceptive.
The Apostle Paul warned of this condition:
- “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:22).
When humanity rejects God, wisdom collapses into confusion. When God is honored, wisdom is established. Fear of the Lord aligns the heart, the mind, and the will with divine truth, allowing wisdom to take root and mature.
The Knowledge of the Holy Brings Understanding
Understanding flows from knowing God, not merely knowing about Him. “The knowledge of the holy” speaks of intimacy with God’s character—His righteousness, justice, mercy, and truth.
Jesus affirmed this principle:
- “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3).
Understanding is spiritual insight granted to those who walk with God. It enables believers to discern truth from error, righteousness from deception, and eternal priorities from temporary concerns. In the last days, such understanding is essential, as deception increases and truth is often rejected.
Wisdom Produces Obedience and Discernment
Biblical wisdom is never abstract. It produces obedience. Those who fear the Lord do not merely hear the Word; they live it.
- “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).
Wisdom trains the believer to discern God’s will, resist sin, and walk uprightly in a corrupt world. It guards the heart against false teaching and prepares the Church to stand firm in times of testing. Understanding anchors faith when emotions fail and circumstances shift.
Christ: The Fulfillment of Wisdom
All wisdom finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
- “But unto them which are called… Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24).
To know Christ is to know wisdom. To follow Him is to walk in understanding. Outside of Him, wisdom is incomplete; in Him, wisdom is perfected. As the end draws near, the call is not for more information, but for deeper reverence, obedience, and knowledge of the Holy One.
Conclusion
Proverbs 9:10 reveals an unchanging spiritual law: wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, and understanding grows from knowing the Holy. This truth confronts modern pride and invites humble submission. In every generation—and especially in these last days—God calls His people to reject shallow knowledge and pursue holy wisdom. Those who fear the Lord will stand firm, walk wisely, and see clearly in a darkened world.