Verse
Proverbs 1:7 — The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise…
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Narrated Bible, free · iPhone and Android · Meet the narrated Bible
Image to share
Save the image and send it to someone who needs to read this today.
Read it in context
The verses around Proverbs 1:7.
5A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
6To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
7The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
8My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
9For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
Verse explanation
“The fear of the Lord” here is not fear of punishment — it is the respect of someone who recognizes there is an order greater than their own will. It is the starting point, not the peak, of wisdom. The verse opens the book because everything that follows assumes this posture of humility before learning. “Fools” translates a Hebrew term for someone who despises correction out of stubbornness, not lack of intelligence.
From the Proverbs 1 study in Bible in Stories.
Proverbs 1:7 in other versions
The same verse in the 4 Bible versions we have on the site.
- KJV · King James
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Read the chapter in this version → - ARC · Almeida 1911Português
O temor do Senhor é o principio da sciencia: os loucos desprezam a sabedoria e a instrucção.
Read the chapter in this version → - BLIVRE · Bíblia LivrePortuguês
O temor ao SENHOR [é] o principio do conhecimento; os tolos desprezam a sabedoria e a instrução.
Read the chapter in this version → - VBL · Versión Biblia LibreEspañol
El verdadero conocimiento comienza con la honra al Señor, pero los insensatos se burlan de la sabiduría y del buen consejo.
Read the chapter in this version →
In other languages: Português (Provérbios 1:7) · Español (Proverbios 1:7)
More verses about wisdom
- Proverbs 3:5Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
- Proverbs 3:6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
- James 1:5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it…
- Proverbs 9:10The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Carry this word in your pocket
The complete Bible, narrated in audio, with video stories and a daily devotional. Free on iPhone and Android.
Download free