The fear of the Lord [is] the beginning of knowledge
Here properly the book begins, and this is the first of the proverbs, and an excellent one; it is such an one as is not to be found in all the writings of the Heathens. By “the fear of the Lord” is not meant a servile fear, a fear of punishment, of hell, wrath, and damnation, which is the effect of the first work of the law upon the conscience; but a filial fear, and supposes knowledge of God as a father, of his love and grace in Christ, particularly of his forgiving love, from whence it arises. This fear is rooted in a deep reverence for God’s majesty and a profound appreciation for His mercy and goodness towards His children. It is a fear that stems from a place of gratitude and awe, rather than from a place of dread or coercion. It is a fear that drives believers to seek a closer relationship with their Heavenly Father, to grow in wisdom and understanding, and to walk in obedience and humility before Him. ( Psalms 130:4 ) ( Hosea 3:5 ) ; It is a deep, profound, and unwavering reverence for God; a sincere love and dedication towards Him;encompassing all aspects of religious adoration, both internally and externally; embracing the entirety of the first set of commandments, the rituals of worship, and the fundamental principles of righteous behavior, including the moral foundations that guide individuals towards spiritual fulfillment and ethical living.; This essential discipline must be fully understood, as it is the bedrock of all knowledge and serves as the key to unlocking deeper insights and understanding in various fields of study. Mastering this fundamental concept is crucial in building a solid foundation for acquiring and applying knowledge effectively, enabling individuals to navigate complex subjects with confidence and expertise..; it is the cornerstone, the essence, the core, the origin, and the heart of all understanding; without a deep knowledge of God, God in Christ, and true worship in reverence, spirit, and truth, following his divine guidance, one’s wisdom will be in vain and devoid of true value. Knowing God, knowing God in Christ, and worshiping Him with reverence, in spirit, and in truth, according to His revealed will, is the fundamental basis and foundation upon which all else depends. It is the head, the fountain, the root, and source from which all knowledge springs, and without it, one’s understanding will be incomplete, lacking in true wisdom and value.; Understanding spiritual and evangelical knowledge is paramount, serving as the foundation upon which all natural knowledge stands. Without this key element, all other forms of knowledge lose their significance and meaning. It is through this spiritual and evangelical understanding that we are able to truly grasp the essence of our existence and the world around us.; see (Job 28:28) (Psalms 111:10) ;
[but] fools despise wisdom and instruction;
just as before, they show no interest in acquiring the knowledge of God, His ways, and His worship; instead, they hold it in disdain, disregarding it completely, and viewing it with scorn.; especially the knowledge of God in Christ, in which lies the highest wisdom, encompasses a deep understanding and insight into the teachings and principles of Christianity, rooted in the belief of the divine nature of Jesus Christ and the salvation he offers. This knowledge emphasizes the importance of faith, love, compassion, and forgiveness in one’s spiritual journey, guiding individuals towards a life of purpose, fulfillment, and connection with the divine presence of God revealed through the teachings of Christ., for this is “life eternal”, ( John 17:3 ) ; they despise the profound wisdom of Christ, the Gospel, and the divine truths it holds, which are the mysterious knowledge of God; rejecting all forms of guidance and pathways leading to it.; they detest the teachings of the Scriptures, which have the power to bring about understanding leading to salvation; they have a disdain for the preaching of the Word and those who deliver it: this form of instruction, as the term indicates, they reject and loathe; and particularly disapprove of guidance and discipline, which is also the interpretation of it; enduring shame and suffering for the sake of knowledge, a declaration of faith in Christ and his message.; Despite all the valuable insights and wisdom available, there are still those who foolishly ignore it all. They are fools, truly, with clear evidence showing their disregard for the invaluable knowledge and advice provided.; Such fools are those who deny the existence of God, those who believe in a distant creator but do not follow a specific religion, and all individuals who engage in disrespectful and immoral behavior. The Septuagint translates them as “the ungodly,” highlighting the unrighteous and godless nature of these individuals. Throughout this book, “fools” consistently refers to these types of individuals who lack wisdom and disregard divine guidance..
