In Proverbs 1 What Does It Mean To Fear The Lord And How Does This Relate To Gaining Wisdom?

Understanding "The Fear of the Lord" in Proverbs 1

The book of Proverbs opens with a bold declaration about wisdom’s foundation. In Proverbs 1:7 ASV we read:

The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge; But the foolish despise wisdom and instruction. - Proverbs 1:7 ASV

This verse crystallizes the biblical worldview: true knowledge and wisdom start not with human insight or experience, but with a right relationship to God, described here as “the fear of the Lord.”

What Does "Fear of the Lord" Mean?

“Fear” in this context does not primarily mean terror or dread, but a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God’s majesty, holiness, and authority. It’s the recognition of who God is—His power, justice, and love—and responding in humble submission, trust, and obedience.

Scripture consistently connects the fear of the Lord with an attitude of the heart that leads to right living. Consider:

Only fear Jehovah, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things he hath done for you. - 1 Samuel 12:24 ASV
The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil: Pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the perverse mouth, do I hate. - Proverbs 8:13 ASV

“Fear of the Lord” means honoring God above all else, submitting to Him, and shaping our lives according to His revealed will.

How Does "Fear of the Lord" Relate to Wisdom?

Proverbs 1:7 sets the theme for the entire book: without the fear of the Lord, there is no true wisdom. Wisdom, in the biblical sense, is the skill of living rightly before God and others. It is not just acquiring knowledge, but knowing how to live in harmony with God’s design.

The connection is further emphasized in:

The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. - Proverbs 9:10 ASV

To fear the Lord is to recognize our dependence on Him and to seek His guidance. This humility is the first step toward wisdom, because it opens our hearts to receive God’s instruction, correction, and grace.

In contrast, those who reject the fear of the Lord are described as foolish:

But the foolish despise wisdom and instruction. - Proverbs 1:7 ASV

Without reverence for God, a person remains closed to God’s truth and ultimately stumbles into folly.

Christ: The Fulfillment of Wisdom

For believers, the fear of the Lord now centers on Jesus Christ, who is described as the wisdom of God:

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption. - 1 Corinthians 1:30 ASV

Through faith in Christ, believers are reconciled to God and receive the Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth (John 16:13 ASV).

Application: Cultivating the Fear of the Lord

How can we grow in the fear of the Lord and thus in wisdom?

Regularly read and meditate on Scripture (Psalm 119:105 ASV)
Pray for a humble heart (James 1:5 ASV)
Seek to obey God’s commands, not out of legalism, but out of reverence and love (John 14:15 ASV)
Fellowship with other believers to encourage one another to walk in the fear of the Lord (Hebrews 10:24 ASV)

As we cultivate reverence for God, we grow in wisdom, understanding, and Christlike character.