The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Prov. 9:10).
Beginning of wisdom [is to] fear the Ever Existing One. While "fear" could sometimes be softened to "be held in honor," the overwhelming thought is to be afraid of God. This could also have the thought of "to shudder," "to be in awe," or "to hold in deference." This does not mean one goes about in constant dread but it does imply that humans should not play games with the Lord. He hears, sees, and knows everything about us. It is foolish to think we can get away with anything in His world.
"Wisdom" can best be thought of as "applied knowledge." It is the application of living and doing what we know is right. To do less can bring a chastening and judgment.
Knowledge (day-at) is the common word for knowing but it can also carry the thought: "to have insight about." This brings "understanding." The Holy One (kedesh-em) here is in a plural form and is better translated as "the All-holy One." The Rabbinical commentaries point out that this is a plural of God's greatness and majesty.
Waltke adds "Upon encountering the Holy One, one is filled with both fear and trust and this gives expression to that awe by submitting to the [morals] entailed in the purity of the Holy One." Today the younger generation has no fear of adults or of God. They are islands unto themselves. Destruction will come like a flood to this younger, rebellious age.
The use of the plural with "the All-holy One" underscores God's "otherness," the sphere of His sacredness, separated from the mundane, the common, and the profane, Walker further notes. Such wisdom in regard to God will certainly lead one to salvation and trust in Him for redemption. Lawson points out: "He who knows God in truth is possessed of a never-ending life (cf. John 17:3; Phil. 3:8)."
Beginning of wisdom [is to] fear the Ever Existing One. While "fear" could sometimes be softened to "be held in honor," the overwhelming thought is to be afraid of God. This could also have the thought of "to shudder," "to be in awe," or "to hold in deference." This does not mean one goes about in constant dread but it does imply that humans should not play games with the Lord. He hears, sees, and knows everything about us. It is foolish to think we can get away with anything in His world.
"Wisdom" can best be thought of as "applied knowledge." It is the application of living and doing what we know is right. To do less can bring a chastening and judgment.
Knowledge (day-at) is the common word for knowing but it can also carry the thought: "to have insight about." This brings "understanding." The Holy One (kedesh-em) here is in a plural form and is better translated as "the All-holy One." The Rabbinical commentaries point out that this is a plural of God's greatness and majesty.
Waltke adds "Upon encountering the Holy One, one is filled with both fear and trust and this gives expression to that awe by submitting to the [morals] entailed in the purity of the Holy One." Today the younger generation has no fear of adults or of God. They are islands unto themselves. Destruction will come like a flood to this younger, rebellious age.
The use of the plural with "the All-holy One" underscores God's "otherness," the sphere of His sacredness, separated from the mundane, the common, and the profane, Walker further notes. Such wisdom in regard to God will certainly lead one to salvation and trust in Him for redemption. Lawson points out: "He who knows God in truth is possessed of a never-ending life (cf. John 17:3; Phil. 3:8)."
