Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
What Proverbs 9:10 means
Proverbs treats wisdom as a skill for living, and this verse names where the skill starts. ‘Fear’ here means reverence — taking God seriously as God — rather than being frightened of him.
Calling it the *beginning* is significant: not one topic among many but the foundation everything else is built on. Knowledge without that starting point may be clever, but Proverbs would not call it wise.
Related topics
Questions about Proverbs 9:10
What does Proverbs 9:10 mean?
It means true wisdom begins with reverence for God, and that real insight comes from knowing the Holy One rather than from information alone.
What does ‘the fear of the Lord’ mean?
Reverent awe — taking God seriously for who he is. It is not terror, but it is more than polite respect.