Proverbs 9:10
Verse
Context
The Way of Wisdom
9Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning. 10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11For through wisdom your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
These words naturally follow: 10 "The beginning of wisdom is the fear of Jahve, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This is the highest principle of the Chokma, which stands (Pro 1:7) as a motto at the beginning of the Book of Proverbs. The lxx translate ראשׁית there (Pro 1:7), and תּחלּת here, by ἀρχή. Gusset distinguishes the two synonyms as pars optima and primus actus; but the former denotes the fear of God as that which stands in the uppermost place, to which all that Wisdom accomplishes subordinates itself; the latter as that which begins wisdom, that which it proposes to itself in its course. With יהוה is interchanged, Pro 2:5, אלהים, as here קדושׁים, as the internally multiplicative plur. (Dietrich, Abhandlungen, pp. 12, 45), as Pro 30:3, Jos 24:9; Hos 12:1, of God, the "Holy, holy, holy" (Isa 6:3), i.e., Him who is absolutely Holy. Michaelis inaccurately, following the ancients, who understood not this non-numerical plur.: cognitio quae sanctos facit et sanctis propria est. The דּעת, parallel with יראת, is meant of lively practical operative knowledge, which subordinates itself to this All-holy God as the normative but unapproachable pattern.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Compare Pro 1:7). of the holy--literally, "holies," persons or things, or both. This knowledge gives right perception.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,.... This shows who the wise men are, and in what true wisdom lies; no man is wise till he fears the Lord, and he that does so is a wise man, at least then he begins to be one; this is the principal part of wisdom, Pro 1:7; and is at the first of it; it is the beginning of grace; it is the first act of wisdom, or grace; or which appears as soon as a man is converted and caused to know wisdom in the hidden part; as repentance, faith, and love, quickly show themselves in one act or another, so does the fear of God; for the former are never without the latter; for fear is an awe and reverence of the divine Being, joined with love to him, trust in him, and a desire to serve and worship him in a right manner; no sooner is a man converted, but presently there is in him a fear of offending God, from a principle of love to him; for not a slavish but a filial fear is here intended; and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding: either the knowledge of the Holy Ones, as the three divine Persons in the Godhead, who are so called, Jos 24:19; the knowledge of God the Father, who is holy in his nature and works; not a mere natural knowledge of him by the light of nature; nor a mere notional knowledge of him by revelation; not a legal knowledge of him as a lawgiver, and an offended Judge; but an evangelical knowledge of him in Christ, as his God and Father; and as the God of all grace in him; so as to have faith and hope in him, access unto him, and communion with him; this is right understanding: so the knowledge of Christ, God's Holy One; a knowledge of him in his person, offices, and grace; an inward knowledge of him, a spiritual acquaintance with him, so as to approve of him, believe in him, and appropriate him to one's self; this is to attain to a good degree of understanding: as likewise the knowledge of the Holy Spirit, the author of sanctification; of his person, and operations of grace; as a convincer and comforter; as a Spirit of illumination and faith, of regeneration and sanctification; and as the Spirit of adoption, and the earnest of glory; this is another branch of spiritual understanding. Moreover, such knowledge which holy men have, and which makes them so; and which holy men of God, moved by the Holy Ghost, have communicated in the sacred Scriptures, of which they are the penmen. The knowledge of holy things may also be meant; of the holy mysteries of religion, of the holy doctrines of the Gospel, which are all according to godliness, and teach men to live in a holy manner: the faith once delivered to the saints is a most holy faith, encourages and promotes holiness of heart and life; as the doctrines of God's everlasting love; eternal election; the unconditionality of the covenant of grace; redemption by Christ; conversion by efficacious grace; justification by Christ's righteousness; pardon by his blood; satisfaction by his sacrifice; and perseverance by his power: and now a knowledge of these things, not notional, but experimental, is understanding indeed; as well as a knowledge of holy and gracious experiences.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
9:10-12 Fear of the Lord: See study note on 1:7.
Proverbs 9:10
The Way of Wisdom
9Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning. 10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11For through wisdom your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
How to Experience Personal Revival
By Andrew Strom29K53:52EXO 34:29PRO 9:10ISA 6:5MAL 3:6MAT 6:33HEB 6:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of experiencing revival in one's life. He explains that revival is a state of continuous, close communion with God. The foundation for revival is total surrender to God, which involves walking in the Spirit and striving for holiness. The speaker also highlights the need to fear God and understand His glory, holiness, and judgments. These four elements - fear of the Lord, deep repentance, hatred of sin, and total surrender - are essential for experiencing revival in one's life.
Aaron's Failure
By Duncan Campbell18K1:00:51FailureEXO 32:7JOS 14:6PRO 9:10MAT 3:2MAT 11:28ACT 4:12JAS 1:5In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of his daughter giving a testimony before leaving for Nepal. She attributes her faith and presence at the meeting to her parents, which humbles the speaker. The speaker then questions if others can say the same about their parents and challenges the audience to be men and women of God. He shares a story of a Christian worker who bought a television set despite the negative influence it can have on young people. The speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects God's presence and warns against dishonoring God's name in the presence of enemies.
Continue in Sin
By David Wilkerson17K1:06:53Continuing In SinPSA 25:14PSA 89:29PSA 111:10PRO 1:7PRO 9:10MAT 6:33ROM 6:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of addressing hidden sins and lust in the hearts and minds of believers. He explains that God considers these hidden sins to be more wicked and dangerous than open sins committed by the wicked. The preacher urges the congregation to examine their hearts and minds, acknowledging that God sees what is inside and knows the true nature of their thoughts. He shares personal experiences of being convicted by the Holy Spirit and emphasizes the need for repentance and surrender to God's will.
Attributes of God (Series 1): The Holiness of God
By A.W. Tozer6.9K48:21Attributes of GodPRO 9:10HAB 1:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of conversion and laments its decline in society. He attributes this decline to the forgetting of God as the Holy One of Israel. The preacher leads a prayer, expressing the urgency of time and the need for individuals to give account for their actions. He then quotes a poem by Thomas Benny, highlighting the contrast between the purity of the eternal light and the fallen world. The sermon also references biblical stories, such as Moses at the burning bush and the elders in the book of Revelation, to illustrate the reverence and worship due to God.
The Holiness of God - Part 1
By A.W. Tozer6.5K15:06Holiness Of GodEXO 15:11EXO 19:12EXO 19:16JOB 15:15JOB 25:6PSA 22:3PRO 9:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the holiness of God and the need for reverence and sanctification in His presence. He refers to the story of Moses encountering God at the burning bush and later on Mount Sinai. Moses, out of fear and awe, removed his shoes and hid his face. God instructed Moses to sanctify the people and set boundaries around the mountain, warning that anyone who touched it would be put to death. The preacher also reflects on the impurity and sinfulness of humanity, contrasting it with the purity and holiness of God.
Five Rules for Christian Living - Part 1
By A.W. Tozer3.9K30:38Christian LivingPSA 46:10PRO 9:10REV 1:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of five rules for believers. The first rule is to have a reverent attitude towards all created things, as they are seen as the garments of God. The preacher also highlights the significance of the presence of the law in organizing society and ensuring safety. The sermon then shifts to discussing the fear of God, distinguishing between a holy fear and a fear of punishment. The preacher emphasizes the need for genuine love and good will towards others, stating that it keeps Christians on the right track and leads to positive outcomes. The sermon concludes by discussing the concept of drawing near to God, emphasizing the desire for believers to be closer to Him.
Five Rules for Christian Living - Part 2
By A.W. Tozer3.2K30:35Christian LivingPSA 111:10PRO 1:7PRO 9:10MAT 6:33ROM 3:18HEB 12:28REV 1:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a holy fear and reverence for God. He explains that this kind of fear cannot be induced by external factors like fancy clothing, music, or rituals. Instead, it is a deep awe and respect that comes from recognizing God's power and glory. The preacher also discusses the concept of holy living and the rules that Christians have historically followed to guide their behavior. He highlights the need to honor all of God's creation and to recognize the divine image in every person.
Road to Reality - the Fear of the Lord - Part 2
By K.P. Yohannan3.1K25:58Fear Of The LordPRO 9:10MAT 6:33MAT 12:36LUK 9:23ROM 2:161CO 6:19HEB 12:29In this sermon, K. P. Ohanan shares his personal journey of faith and his passion for spreading the word of God. He reflects on the importance of living a life dedicated to serving the Lord and fulfilling His call. Ohanan emphasizes the need for Christians to prioritize the salvation of the lost and to be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of the Gospel. He encourages listeners to fear the Lord and to recognize the blessings they have received, urging them to become a blessing to others by participating in mission projects and sharing the love of Christ with millions of people.
We Have Been Taught Not to Discern - Part 6
By Andrew Strom2.3K09:59PRO 9:10ISA 6:1MAL 3:6ROM 1:18HEB 13:8This sermon emphasizes the need to understand the true nature of God, including His wrath and mercy, and the importance of preaching the real Gospel that involves salvation from God's wrath through Jesus. It challenges the modern perception of a friendly, non-wrathful God and calls for a return to a deeper understanding of God's character and the Gospel message.
The Fear of the Lord - Part 2
By K.P. Yohannan2.0K42:48Fear Of The LordGEN 12:2PRO 9:10MAT 12:36LUK 12:48ACT 1:8ROM 2:16HEB 12:29In this video, Brother KP Johanin discusses the importance of fearing the Lord and how it can impact our lives. He emphasizes that God has called and blessed us to be a blessing to others in this generation. Johanin shares stories from his own life to illustrate the significance of fearing the Lord. He also mentions the challenges faced by missionaries in Asia due to martial law, but highlights the growth of the church in spite of these obstacles. Overall, the message encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God and to live a life of sacrifice and obedience.
The First Cry From the Cross
By C.H. Spurgeon1.9K47:49PRO 9:10MAT 6:24MAT 6:33LUK 23:34ACT 17:302CO 5:152CO 5:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living for others and not just for oneself. He urges Christians to go beyond the pursuit of wealth, raising children, and personal needs, and instead focus on serving others and glorifying God. The preacher also addresses the unconverted, highlighting the need for forgiveness and salvation. He acknowledges that some may have been ignorant of the true nature of sin, but emphasizes that ignorance does not excuse them from the need for forgiveness. The overall message is to prioritize the salvation of souls and to be mindful of the eternal consequences of our actions.
How to Have a Personal Revival - Part 1
By Andrew Strom1.9K53:52Personal RevivalPRO 9:10ISA 6:4LUK 1:32JHN 3:16HEB 6:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of four foundational elements for experiencing revival in one's life. These elements are deep repentance, the fear of the Lord, hatred of sin, and total surrender to God. The speaker explains that by fully embracing and going through these four things, individuals can enter into a close and continuous communion with God, leading to a revived life. The sermon also highlights the need to understand the glory, holiness, and judgments of God in order to truly grasp the significance of His sacrifice through sending His Son to die for humanity.
Handling Criticism
By Neil T. Anderson1.6K1:01:44CriticismPSA 119:51PRO 9:10ROM 5:192PE 3:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of avoiding isolation in our spiritual journey. He warns that getting isolated and not being accountable to others can lead to trouble. He then introduces four key words: authority, accountability, affirmation, and acceptance, which he believes should be prioritized in our lives. The speaker encourages the audience to be true to themselves and not let others determine their identity. He concludes by highlighting the significance of love as the ultimate goal of Christian education.
The Great White Throne Judgement
By David Legge1.6K39:33PSA 9:17PRO 9:10MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 6:23HEB 9:27REV 20:15In this sermon, Dr. Ironside begins by reading John 3:16, emphasizing God's love for the world and the gift of His only begotten Son. He then shares a story about a man on a plane facing imminent danger, highlighting the importance of being prepared for judgment. Dr. Ironside emphasizes the penalty of judgment and the accountability for every word spoken. He also mentions the concept of one's life flashing before their eyes in life-threatening situations. Throughout the sermon, Dr. Ironside references various Bible verses to support his points and concludes by highlighting the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice and the vastness of the sun compared to the earth.
Building on Basics
By Colin Anderson1.5K47:27Spiritual GrowthPSA 92:10PRO 9:101JN 1:51JN 2:151JN 3:41JN 3:8REV 2:18In this sermon, the speaker discusses a situation where his son had to appeal to his superiors due to problems with an essay. The speaker questions whether anyone in the school is concerned about ethics and righteousness. He emphasizes the need for repentance and confessing sins to have forgiveness and cleansing. The speaker also references the Apostle John's clear statements about sin and righteousness, urging the audience to live in a black and white world where moral issues are precise and clear.
Led by the Spirit of God - Part 4
By Milton Green1.4K17:04PRO 9:10PRO 12:1PRO 14:12PRO 21:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following God's commandments and avoiding sinful behavior. He warns against being lovers of self and money, and highlights the consequences of disobedience to parents and other actions that break God's love. The preacher urges the congregation to recognize their need for instruction and discipline, and to avoid being deceived by pastors who entertain and seek idolatry. He references various passages from the Bible, including Proverbs, Galatians, Matthew, and Deuteronomy, to support his teachings on wisdom, the law of God, and the commandment to love one's neighbor.
(Clip) What Happened to the Fear of God?
By Shane Idleman1.3K04:22PRO 9:10ACT 4:31EPH 5:18HEB 10:31REV 19:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom and knowledge, highlighting the power of the church through the Holy Spirit and the fear of God. It delves into the triune nature of God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the necessity of reverence in our relationship with God. The sermon also discusses the consequences of rejecting God's offer of salvation and the significance of living in fear and respect of Almighty God.
An Awesome God
By Teresa Conlon1.3K59:18PSA 4:4PSA 46:10PRO 9:10MAT 5:8MAT 6:33JHN 14:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the faithfulness and provision of God. They share personal testimonies of how God has provided for them, including a miraculous provision of a vehicle. The speaker encourages obedience to God, stating that when we obey Him, He shows up and performs miracles in our lives. They also highlight the importance of having an open heart towards God and towards others. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God may ask us to do things we don't want to do, but He is an awesome God who can multiply our efforts and bring blessings into our lives.
I Once Longed for New Things to Obey
By Carter Conlon1.3K51:442CH 15:12PSA 51:10PRO 9:10GAL 5:16HEB 12:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of renewing the altar of the Lord in our lives, shunning evil, embracing good, and maintaining a servant's heart. It highlights the dangers of turning from the spirit to the flesh, losing the fear of God, and locking away the voice of correction. The speaker urges the congregation to return to a place of genuine worship, obedience, and passion for God, seeking to finish the race well and hear the voice of God clearly.
Fear God
By Eli Brayley1.2K1:04:15Fearing GodPSA 111:10PRO 9:10ECC 12:13MAT 6:33HEB 12:281PE 2:17REV 14:6In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of fearing God. He emphasizes that the lack of fear of God is the fundamental problem with mankind. The preacher highlights that salvation depends on the fear of God and that God's mercy is upon those who fear Him. He also mentions the positive feedback loop that occurs when awe and fear of God increase, leading to a greater understanding of His greatness and a deeper reverence for Him.
Get Wisdom
By John Piper1.1K29:161KI 3:16PRO 2:6PRO 4:8PRO 9:10ROM 12:2COL 1:9JAS 1:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom in order to find true and lasting happiness. He acknowledges that people may pursue temporary sources of happiness such as material possessions or worldly pleasures, but these will ultimately leave them feeling empty. The speaker encourages listeners to prioritize wisdom and suggests that reading classic books, particularly those related to theology and faith, can be a valuable way to gain wisdom. He also highlights the need to seek wisdom on a daily basis and emphasizes that it is a lifelong pursuit.
Learning to Fear God (Kannada)
By Zac Poonen1.0K56:23GEN 22:12PSA 34:7PSA 111:10PRO 9:10ISA 8:12MAT 10:28LUK 4:12CO 7:1HEB 12:28This sermon emphasizes the importance of holiness among Christians, comparing it to a parent's concern for their sick or failing children. It highlights the need for believers to seek holiness, which is more significant to God than physical health or financial prosperity. The message stresses the necessity of fearing God, passing His tests in secret obedience, and seeking His blessings through a life of holiness.
No Hell?
By Steve Gallagher99203:50PSA 51:17PRO 9:10MAT 7:152TI 4:3JAS 4:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the reality of hell and the need for true repentance and humility before God. It warns against deception and false teachings that cater to worldly desires, stressing the significance of fearing the Lord as the beginning of wisdom before experiencing His love and grace.
Elihu and His Claim to Be Speaking for God
By Chuck Smith97925:04SpeakingJOB 33:7JOB 33:27PRO 3:5PRO 9:10PRO 14:121CO 10:13In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the fear that Job had towards God and how Elihu claims to be speaking for God. He emphasizes that God does not want us to be terrified of Him, but rather to understand His message and learn from our trials and testing. Pastor Chuck encourages listeners to confess their sins and acknowledge that there is no profit in wrongdoing. He reminds them that God will deliver their souls from destruction and bring light into their lives if they turn to Him.
God Is My Strength and Power - Part 1
By Joshua Daniel95728:30DEU 10:122SA 22:33PSA 18:32PSA 46:1PRO 3:5PRO 9:10ISA 40:291CO 1:18EPH 6:10This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of fearing and serving the Lord with all our heart and soul, highlighting the requirements God has for us. It delves into the power that comes from God, contrasting it with worldly power like money and debt, and encourages reliance on God's strength to navigate life's challenges. The message concludes with a prayer for God's guidance and support in facing difficulties and staying faithful.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
These words naturally follow: 10 "The beginning of wisdom is the fear of Jahve, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This is the highest principle of the Chokma, which stands (Pro 1:7) as a motto at the beginning of the Book of Proverbs. The lxx translate ראשׁית there (Pro 1:7), and תּחלּת here, by ἀρχή. Gusset distinguishes the two synonyms as pars optima and primus actus; but the former denotes the fear of God as that which stands in the uppermost place, to which all that Wisdom accomplishes subordinates itself; the latter as that which begins wisdom, that which it proposes to itself in its course. With יהוה is interchanged, Pro 2:5, אלהים, as here קדושׁים, as the internally multiplicative plur. (Dietrich, Abhandlungen, pp. 12, 45), as Pro 30:3, Jos 24:9; Hos 12:1, of God, the "Holy, holy, holy" (Isa 6:3), i.e., Him who is absolutely Holy. Michaelis inaccurately, following the ancients, who understood not this non-numerical plur.: cognitio quae sanctos facit et sanctis propria est. The דּעת, parallel with יראת, is meant of lively practical operative knowledge, which subordinates itself to this All-holy God as the normative but unapproachable pattern.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Compare Pro 1:7). of the holy--literally, "holies," persons or things, or both. This knowledge gives right perception.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,.... This shows who the wise men are, and in what true wisdom lies; no man is wise till he fears the Lord, and he that does so is a wise man, at least then he begins to be one; this is the principal part of wisdom, Pro 1:7; and is at the first of it; it is the beginning of grace; it is the first act of wisdom, or grace; or which appears as soon as a man is converted and caused to know wisdom in the hidden part; as repentance, faith, and love, quickly show themselves in one act or another, so does the fear of God; for the former are never without the latter; for fear is an awe and reverence of the divine Being, joined with love to him, trust in him, and a desire to serve and worship him in a right manner; no sooner is a man converted, but presently there is in him a fear of offending God, from a principle of love to him; for not a slavish but a filial fear is here intended; and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding: either the knowledge of the Holy Ones, as the three divine Persons in the Godhead, who are so called, Jos 24:19; the knowledge of God the Father, who is holy in his nature and works; not a mere natural knowledge of him by the light of nature; nor a mere notional knowledge of him by revelation; not a legal knowledge of him as a lawgiver, and an offended Judge; but an evangelical knowledge of him in Christ, as his God and Father; and as the God of all grace in him; so as to have faith and hope in him, access unto him, and communion with him; this is right understanding: so the knowledge of Christ, God's Holy One; a knowledge of him in his person, offices, and grace; an inward knowledge of him, a spiritual acquaintance with him, so as to approve of him, believe in him, and appropriate him to one's self; this is to attain to a good degree of understanding: as likewise the knowledge of the Holy Spirit, the author of sanctification; of his person, and operations of grace; as a convincer and comforter; as a Spirit of illumination and faith, of regeneration and sanctification; and as the Spirit of adoption, and the earnest of glory; this is another branch of spiritual understanding. Moreover, such knowledge which holy men have, and which makes them so; and which holy men of God, moved by the Holy Ghost, have communicated in the sacred Scriptures, of which they are the penmen. The knowledge of holy things may also be meant; of the holy mysteries of religion, of the holy doctrines of the Gospel, which are all according to godliness, and teach men to live in a holy manner: the faith once delivered to the saints is a most holy faith, encourages and promotes holiness of heart and life; as the doctrines of God's everlasting love; eternal election; the unconditionality of the covenant of grace; redemption by Christ; conversion by efficacious grace; justification by Christ's righteousness; pardon by his blood; satisfaction by his sacrifice; and perseverance by his power: and now a knowledge of these things, not notional, but experimental, is understanding indeed; as well as a knowledge of holy and gracious experiences.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
9:10-12 Fear of the Lord: See study note on 1:7.