Read & explore together
The Beginning of Knowledge
Proverbs 1:1–7 introduces the book by naming its proverbs and stating their purpose. These verses explain what wisdom is for, who can benefit from it, and where knowledge begins.
Understanding the passage
Listening in context
The passage identifies these sayings as Solomon’s proverbs, then lists what they are meant to do. Readers are told that these words give wisdom, instruction, prudence, learning, and understanding. The opening ends with a contrast between the fear of Yahweh and the attitude of fools.
Proverbs 1:1–7Main takeaway
In Proverbs 1:1–7, the fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge, and these proverbs are given so people may know wisdom, receive instruction, and increase in learning.
Look closely at the words
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01The proverbs and their purposeThe book opens by calling these sayings “the proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel”.
Explanation
The book opens by calling these sayings “the proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel”. It then explains their purpose: to know wisdom and instruction, and to discern words of understanding. The passage presents these proverbs as teaching that helps readers recognise and grasp wisdom.
02Wisdom shapes right livingThe instruction in these verses is not only about ideas. Readers are to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity.
Explanation
The instruction in these verses is not only about ideas. Readers are to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity. This shows that wisdom includes learning how to act rightly and fairly, not merely collecting clever sayings or difficult thoughts.
03Many kinds of people can learnThe proverbs give prudence to the simple, and knowledge and discretion to the young. Yet they also help the wise increase in learning and help a person of understanding attain sound counsel.
Explanation
The proverbs give prudence to the simple, and knowledge and discretion to the young. Yet they also help the wise increase in learning and help a person of understanding attain sound counsel. In this passage, wisdom is useful for beginners and for those already growing in understanding.
04Understanding and the true beginningThese sayings help people understand a proverb and parables, the words and riddles of the wise.
Explanation
These sayings help people understand a proverb and parables, the words and riddles of the wise. The section ends with its key statement: “The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge”, while fools despise wisdom and instruction. The passage sets reverence for Yahweh over against rejecting wisdom.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What purposes for the proverbs are named at the start of the passage?
List the actions in the text, such as knowing wisdom, discerning understanding, and receiving instruction.
02Which people are specifically named as gaining from these proverbs?
Look for every group in the verses, including those who are simple, young, wise, and understanding.
03What contrast does Proverbs 1:7 make?
Compare the phrase about the fear of Yahweh with the statement about what fools despise.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Proverbs 1:1–7
1The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:
2to know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding;
3to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity;
4to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young man—
5that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel;
6to understand a proverb and parables, the words and riddles of the wise.
7The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge, but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.