The Fear of the Lord as Wisdom in Proverbs
The concept of "the fear of the Lord" is a central theme in the book of Proverbs, where it is closely tied to the idea of wisdom. Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" [1]. This phrase is repeated throughout the book, emphasizing the importance of revering God in the pursuit of wisdom.
In Proverbs, the fear of the Lord is not a servile or slavish fear, but rather a reverential awe that arises from understanding God's character and loving Him [2]. It is described as "the instruction of wisdom" (Proverbs 15:33) and "the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10) [1]. This fear is not merely an emotional response, but a deep-seated attitude that informs one's actions and decisions.
The fear of the Lord is closely linked to the concept of wisdom in Proverbs. According to John Gill, "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" and "leads unto" wisdom [5]. This fear is not just a precursor to wisdom, but an integral part of it. As Rashi notes on Proverbs 8:13, "Fear of the Lord is to hate evil" — indicating that the fear of the Lord is a discipline that guides one's actions and choices [6].
The relationship between the fear of the Lord and wisdom is further emphasized in Proverbs 14:27, where it is described as "a fountain of life" [3]. This suggests that the fear of the Lord is not just a static concept, but a dynamic and life-giving force that shapes one's understanding of the world. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, the fear of God is "sanctifying" and is a "treasure to saints" [3].
Different traditions have interpreted the concept of the fear of the Lord in various ways. In the Jewish tradition, Rashi understands the fear of the Lord as a discipline that guides one's actions, as seen in his commentary on Proverbs 8:13 [6]. In the Baptist/Reformed tradition, John Gill emphasizes the importance of the fear of the Lord as a precursor to wisdom and a guiding principle for one's actions [5, 4].
The fear of the Lord is also closely tied to the concept of humility. Proverbs 15:33 states that "before honour is humility" [1]. According to John Gill, "the fear of God and humility go together" — suggesting that the fear of the Lord is not just an individual concept, but is closely linked to other virtues [4].
In the broader biblical context, the fear of the Lord is not limited to the book of Proverbs. It is a theme that is echoed throughout the Old and New Testaments. In the New Testament, the fear of the Lord is described as a motivator for living a holy life (2 Corinthians 5:11; Philippians 2:12) [2].
The fear of the Lord as wisdom in Proverbs is a rich and complex concept that has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. At its core, it is a deep-seated reverence for God that informs one's actions and decisions, guiding them towards a life of wisdom and virtue. As Proverbs 15:33 states, "The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom" — a theme that is echoed throughout the biblical tradition [1].
Sources
- Proverbs “Proverbs 15:33 (KJV) — The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Fear of the Lord the — Is in the Old Testament used as a designation of true piety (Prov. 1:7; Job 28:28; Ps. 19:9). It is a fear conjoined with love and hope, and is therefore not a slavish dread, but rather filial reverence. (Comp. Deut. 32:6; Hos. 11:1; Isa. 1:2; 63:16; 64:8.) God is called "the Fear of Isaac" (Gen. 31:42, 53), i.e., the God whom Isaac feared. A holy fear is enjoined also in the New Testament as a preventive of carelessness in religion, and as an incentive to penitence (Matt. 10:28; 2 Cor. 5:11; 7:1; Phil. 2:12; Eph. 5:21; Heb. 12:28, 29).”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Fear, Godly — God is the object of -- Isa 8:13. God is the author of -- Jer 32:39,40. Searching the Scriptures gives the understanding of -- Pr 2:3-5. Described as Hatred of evil. -- Pr 8:13. Wisdom. -- Job 28:28; Ps 111:10. A treasure to saints. -- Pr 15:16; Isa 33:6. A fountain of life. -- Pr 14:27. Sanctifying. -- Ps 19:9. Filial and reverential. -- Heb 12:9,28. Commanded -- De 13:4; Ps 22:23; Ec 12:13; 1Pe 2:17. Motives to The holiness of God. -- Re 15:4. The greatness of God. -- De 10:12,17. The goodness of God. -- 1Sa 12:24. The forgiveness of God. -- Ps 130:4.”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 15:33: The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom,.... It is "the beginning of wisdom", Pro 9:10; it leads unto it, instructs a man in it; by means of it he attains to true spiritual and evangelical wisdom; it teaches him to abstain from sin, and to serve the Lord; and to seek the salvation of his soul in the way God has appointed, which is by his Son Jesus Christ, which to do is the highest wisdom; and before honour is humility; the fear of God and humility go together, where the one is the other is; and as the one is the way to wisdom, the other is the way to g”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 1:7: 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, Psa 130:4; it is”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on Proverbs 8:13: Fear of the Lord is to hate evil This is the discipline that wisdom announces to the people.”