Proverbs 9:10 - Knowing God and Wisdom

Pro.9:10; Knowing God and Wisdom 

Prov 9:10 (KJV)  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of 
wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. 

Prov 9:10 (NCV)  Wisdom begins with respect for the LORD, and 
understanding begins with knowing the Holy One. 

Prov 9:10 (CEV)  Respect and obey the Lord!  This is the 
beginning of wisdom.  To have understanding, you must know the Holy God. 

Prov 9:10 (Gibbs)  Wisdom begins with respect and reverence for 
God; and insight and understanding come from a relationship with Him. 
 

Fear doesn't mean fear of punishment, but rather a fear defined 
as reverential awe and respect. [In His Time; Walk With Wisdom]  

The motto of Proverbs is here repeated (cf. 1:7). The sage 
begins and ends the instructional section (Prov. 1-9) with this motto. 
[Jamieson, Fausset, And Brown Commentary] 

The theme of the book is repeated (1:7) in this concluding 
section (9:10). [New Bible Companion] 

A reiteration of both the motto of the wise teacher and the 
theme of the book (1:7). [Ryrie SB] 

Wisdom's final words summarize the heart of the message in chs. 
1-9. [NIV SB] 

God's wisdom, personified as a hostess, is contrasted with a 
foolish woman. Two forces within and without us beckon. One, wisdom, 
invites us to dine with her and truly enjoy the benefits of the Lord. 
The other, folly, tempts us to destroy ourselves on what only 
appears to be good for us. [Disciple SB] 

These chapters picture wisdom and folly as two different women. 
The one quietly offering something more precious than all worldly 
riches and honor; the other raucously tempting those going by to pass 
through her doorway, only to tumble unexpectedly into the "depths of the 
grave." The voice to which we respond as we live our daily lives 
demonstrates to all whether we are among the wise or among the foolish of 
men. [The 365-Day Devotional Commentary] 

Wisdom begins with knowing God. He gives insight into living 
because he created life. To know God is not just to know the facts about 
him, but to stand in awe of him and have a relationship with him. Do 
you really want to be wise? Get to know God better and better. [Life 
Application SB] 

We must keep from the company and foolish pleasures of the 
ungodly, or we never can enjoy the pleasures of a holy life. [Matthew 
Henry Commentary] 

Like a harlot, folly promotes the attractiveness of what is 
forbidden (9:17). [New Bible Companion] 

Satan can only tempt, he cannot force. [Matthew Henry Commentary]

Men are always seeking for greater wisdom, but they usually 
bypass the Ultimate Source of wisdom.  The Scriptures clearly point 
this direction.  They reveal, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning 
of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" 
(Pro.9:10).  But what has man done with this tremendous resource at his 
fingertips?  Ignored it!  "For even though they knew God, they did not honor 
Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their 
speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  Professing to be wise, 
they became fools" (Rom.1:21,22). Since God's wisdom resides in His 
Word, it is imperative to know what He has revealed, but even many 
Christians ignore a regular time reading and studying the Scriptures.  
Therefore, many of their decisions are foolish, because they've not 
consulted the Ultimate Source of wisdom.  [Rick Yohn; Time With God SB] 

In this world of confusion, misrepresentation, and ignorance how 
wonderful it is for believers to discover that their God holds wisdom, 
knowledge, and understanding.  We need to grasp the omniscience, the 
all-knowing nature, of God and realize that it is only through Him that we 
can become wise and be taught the truth.  Many run here and there 
seeking guidance from so-called professionals.  What God would have us 
know through this verse is that to grow wise and gain understanding, 
we need to know Him!  And while God can and does use people, He 
very often would speak to us through His Word or by His Spirit - if 
we would but wait upon Him and listen.  Do you desire wisdom and 
understanding?  Are you willing to devote yourself to study and prayer?  Pray 
about it! [In His Time; Walk With Wisdom]  

"The knowledge of the Holy" is the knowledge of all that is 
involved in hallowing God's name; knowing experimentally all that tends 
to our sanctifying the Lord in our hearts and in life. (Jamieson, 
Fausset, and Brown Commentary)