Albert Barnes Commentary Proverbs 1:7

"The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge; [But] the foolish despise wisdom and instruction." — Proverbs 1:7 (ASV)

The beginning of wisdom is found in the disposition of reverence and awe. The fear of the finite in the presence of the Infinite, of the sinful in the presence of the Holy , this for the Israelite was the starting point of all true wisdom.

In the Book of Job 28:28, it appears as an oracle accompanied by the noblest poetry. In Psalm 111:10, it comes as the choral close of a temple hymn. Here it is the watchword of a true ethical education.

This fear has no torment and is compatible with childlike love. But this, and not love, is the beginning of wisdom. Through successive stages and by the discipline of life, love blends with it and makes it perfect.