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“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.Proverbs 1:7

According to this verse, what is the fear of the Lord?

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge

Fellow Student Note: This verse shares the beginning of a theme that will be developed further as we continue our way through Proverbs. Chapter 2, especially, sheds more light on what the “fear of the Lord” is and how we can find a “knowledge of God”. As we study further, it’s important to always remember that we don’t need to “explain” any of these verses on our own. The Bible will give us clear and straight forward answers and God will lead us into truth; all we have to do is ask and we shall receive, seek it day by day and we will find, and then knock on the gates to the Kingdom of Heaven, and the door will be opened.

According to Proverbs 1:7, a “fool” despises wisdom and instruction. What is the Biblical definition of a “fool”? See Psalms 53:1

“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.” Psalms 53:1 - A “fool”, according to the Bible, is someone who denies the existence of God.

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: for they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head and chains about thy neck.

The “chains” that the Bible is talking about in verse 9 are not chains of bondage but rather of grace. The Hebrew word for “chains” [Strongs: 6060] means “necklace” and, to this student’s understanding, suggest something of great blessing, which is in agreement with the rest of scripture on this subject. In Exodus 20:12, we’re reminded to “honour” our fathers and mothers. What better way to honour them by taking heed to their instruction?

Granted, not all parents share instruction worthy of taking heed too, but that is not how God would have it be. In Deuteronomy 6:5-8, God describes the ideal that He would have parents live up too. First, we are to love God with all our hearts, with all our souls, and with all our minds. Then, we’re to put God’s words in our hearts See Psalms 119:11. Then, we’re to teach our children God’s law. We’re to talk of Him throughout the day and we’re to lead by example. This leading by our example, our actions, is referred to in Deuteronomy 6:8 when God instructs the Israelites to bind His words upon their hands (reminding us to be not only hearers of His word, but doers - James 1:22) and keep His words in their minds (the frontlets between your eyes represent the front of your brain, your active thoughts).

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. As children of the Heavenly King, we’re not to despise wisdom or instruction, for such do those who deny their Creator. Rather, we’re to take heed to instruction and we’re reminded in verses 8 and 9 to give a special heed to the instruction of our parents.

As children, let’s think of a way today, however great or small it may be, to simply and sincerely show our parents that we respect them. Perhaps following their Scripturally sound advice (for those of us blessed with such parents), or helping out around the house without being asked, or, for those living away from home, a simple phone call for no other reason than letting them know that you love them and appreciate all they’ve done for you.

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