Proverbs 9:10

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord: reverent awe that takes God seriously, not terror.

KJV

Proverbs 9:10 in context

⁷He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. ⁸Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. ⁹Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. ¹⁰The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. ¹¹For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. ¹²If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it. ¹³A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.

Short sayings of practical wisdom for everyday life, many attributed to Solomon.

Found in

Bible Verses About Fear“Fear not” is one of the most repeated commands in the Bible, and it almost always comes…Bible Verses About WisdomThe Bible treats wisdom as something you can ask for.

Related verses

1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

John is speaking of the fear of judgment (v. 17): whoever is loved by God need not dread His punishment. Fear is not a verdict on you; it is what His love sets out to heal.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Paul to a timid young pastor: the Spirit God gives is not one of cowardice, but of power, love and a sound mind. Feeling afraid is not failing, and you are not left alone in it.

James 3:17

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

How to recognize wisdom from God: pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy.

Proverbs 2:6

For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

Wisdom is a gift: knowledge and understanding come from God’s own mouth.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Lean on God, not on your own understanding, and He will make your paths straight.

By the Verse Path editors · Updated November 6, 2026 · How we choose and explain verses