Proverbs 3:5-6
About this verseRely on God completely rather than on your own judgment; honour him in every part of life, and he will guide your way.
Proverbs 9:10
Wisdom begins with reverence for the Lord, and real understanding comes from knowing the Holy One.
Wisdom starts with the fear of the LORD, and to know the Holy One is understanding.
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Say the verse aloud, filling in each blank. Tap a blank for a hint.
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.