{"id":56062,"date":"2025-06-02T09:51:48","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T16:51:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/?p=56062"},"modified":"2025-06-02T09:51:48","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T16:51:48","slug":"wisdom-and-fear-in-proverbs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wisdom-and-fear-in-proverbs\/","title":{"rendered":"Wisdom and Fear in Proverbs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The two primary themes of Proverbs are introduced at the very beginning of the book. Let\u2019s look at how the themes of <strong>wisdom<\/strong> and the <strong>fear of the Lord<\/strong> set the stage for the rest of the book. We&#8217;ll be using introductory and study notes from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/store\/product\/41111\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Reformation Study Bible<\/a> (NKJV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The two primary themes of the book of Proverbs are <strong>wisdom<\/strong> and the <strong>fear of the Lord.<\/strong> In short, <strong>wisdom<\/strong> is the skill to survive and thrive by living in accordance with the order that God has established in his world. The <strong>fear of the Lord<\/strong> is living in accordance with the principles manifest in His Word and world because we stand in awe of Him and trust Him as our God.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Introduction to Proverbs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel.\u201d Proverbs 1:1<\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The introduction to the book, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Prov+1%3A1&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">v. 1<\/a> as the title, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Prov+1%3A2-6&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">vv. 2\u20136<\/a> as the purpose, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Prov+1%3A7&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">v. 7<\/a> as the theme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Hb. word translated as \u201cproverb\u201d has a range of meanings. It is usually applied to an aphorism or maxim in a wisdom context. The prologue (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Prov+1%3A1-7&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1:1\u20137<\/a>) applies to the whole book and the variety of wisdom sayings it contains, all broadly classified as \u201cproverbs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although Solomon wrote many proverbs (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=1+Kings+4%3A32&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1 Kin. 4:32<\/a>), the words of sages other than Solomon are included under this heading (e.g., Agur, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Prov+30%3A1&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">30:1<\/a>; and Lemuel, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Prov+31%3A1&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">31:1<\/a>). Even in the materials attributed to Solomon, something other than direct authorship may at times be involved. Note that the \u201cwords of King Lemuel\u201d were not authored by Lemuel but taught to him by his mother and then associated with Lemuel. So, too, at least some of the \u201cproverbs of Solomon\u201d could have been taught to him by others and then associated with him as Israel\u2019s quintessential wise man. The roots of proverbial traditions in folk experience make it unlikely that Solomon was the exclusive originator of all the proverbs he put into writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wisdom was a royal enterprise in the ancient Near East. The queen of Sheba came to listen to Solomon\u2019s wisdom (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=1+Kings+10%3A1&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1 Kin. 10:1<\/a>) and the \u201cmen of Hezekiah king of Judah\u201d copied some of the proverbs (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Prov+25%3A1&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Prov. 25:1<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Purpose of Proverbs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">To know wisdom and instruction,<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">To perceive the words of understanding,<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">To receive the instruction of wisdom,<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Justice, judgment, and equity;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">To give prudence to the simple,<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">To the young man knowledge and discretion\u2014<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Proverbs 1:2\u20134<\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Prov+1%3A2&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1:2<\/a> <strong>wisdom.<\/strong> The purpose of Proverbs is to guide the reader into <strong>wisdom,<\/strong> a word with<strong> many nuances.<\/strong> It refers fundamentally to living in keeping with the order that God built into the world so as to survive and thrive. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Jas+3%3A15-18&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">James 3:15\u201318<\/a> distinguishes heavenly wisdom from earthly wisdom; the former is defined very much in terms of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, while the latter is the opposite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>instruction.<\/strong> The word suggests moral and intellectual discipline. It often means the learning of wisdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>understanding.<\/strong> Or discernment, the ability to read between the lines and make correct distinctions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Prov+1%3A3&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1:3<\/a> <strong>Justice, judgment, and equity.<\/strong> These words can be used in religious and ethical contexts as well as in temporal affairs. At times, biblical wisdom shows concern with worldly matters, but it always does so within the framework of divine design in the created order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Prov+1%3A4&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1:4<\/a> <strong>prudence.<\/strong> Sound judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>simple.<\/strong> The word is paralleled in this verse by \u201cyoung man\u201d; it refers to those who are untutored, inexperienced, and easily deceived (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Prov+1%3A10&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1:10<\/a>), not to those lacking intellectual powers. Wisdom is a matter of practical godliness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>discretion.<\/strong> The word suggests making right decisions with understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A wise man will hear and increase learning,<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">To understand a proverb and an enigma,<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The words of the wise and their riddles. Proverbs 1:5\u20136<\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Prov+1%3A5&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1:5<\/a><strong> increase.<\/strong> Wisdom was institutionalized in the ancient culture in that the wise called upon people to improve their wisdom. Succeeding generations were to learn from those who went before them (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Prov+1%3A8&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">v. 8<\/a>). Note the typical parallel structure of this verse in which almost synonymous phrases are joined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>wise counsel.<\/strong> This Hb. word, used only in Proverbs and Job, highlights the importance of right thinking and experience in decision making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Prov+1%3A6&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1:6<\/a> These different words may be used synonymously, as in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Hab+2%3A6&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hab. 2:6<\/a>, but probably here they are distinct forms of wisdom sayings, having as a common characteristic an enigma that challenges the intellect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>enigma.<\/strong> Sometimes rendered \u201cparable.\u201d The parables of Jesus are somewhat different from what is found in the book of Proverbs, although they show the influence of Wisdom Literature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>riddles.<\/strong> Probably a broad but identifiable type of wisdom literature. The word is used of Samson\u2019s riddle (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Judg+14%3A12-19&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Judg. 14:12\u201319<\/a>), of an allegory (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Ezek+17%3A2&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ezek. 17:2<\/a>), and of the sayings used to test Solomon (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=1+Kings+10%3A1&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1 Kin. 10:1<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Theme of Proverbs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">But fools despise wisdom and instruction.\u201d Proverbs 1:7<\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The main theme of Proverbs and ancient Israel\u2019s decisive contribution to the human quest for knowledge and understanding. The <strong>fear of the Lord<\/strong> is the only basis of true knowledge. This <strong>fear<\/strong> is not distrustful terror of God but rather the reverent awe and worshipful response of faith to the God who reveals Himself as the Creator, the Savior, and the Judge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although Israel\u2019s covenant relationship with God receives little overt attention in Proverbs, the use of the divine name most closely associated with the covenant, \u201cLORD\u201d (<em>Yahweh<\/em>), is significant. It indicates that God\u2019s redemptive covenant with His people and the special revelation that accompany it are foundational for true wisdom. In Deuteronomy, \u201cfear the LORD\u201d means living by the stipulations of the covenant in grateful response to God\u2019s redemptive grace (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Deut+6%3A2&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Deut. 6:2<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=Deut+6%3A24&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">24<\/a>). The temple built by Solomon later became the visible expression of Israel\u2019s covenant relationship with the Lord, which again is described as the \u201cfear\u201d of the Lord (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=1+Kings+8%3A40&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1 Kin. 8:40<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/bible\/?query=1+Kings+8%3A43&amp;version=NKJV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">43<\/a>). There is an important link through Solomon and the temple between biblical wisdom and the covenant theology found elsewhere in the OT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The beginning of knowledge in Hebrew means either the starting point of knowledge or its best part. The former is in view here, not as in a starting point that one leaves behind, but as in mathematics, where one uses the numbers learned at the beginning in all of the later courses. While in His common grace God enables unbelievers to know much about the world, only the <strong>fear of the Lord<\/strong> enables one to know what anything means ultimately. Relying on this light, <strong>wisdom<\/strong> pursues the task of reflecting on human experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Get Your Copy of the Reformation Study Bible<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"http:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/ReformationStudyBiblesESVandNKJVSocial.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-52113\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/ReformationStudyBiblesESVandNKJVSocial.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/ReformationStudyBiblesESVandNKJVSocial-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/ReformationStudyBiblesESVandNKJVSocial-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/ReformationStudyBiblesESVandNKJVSocial-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/ReformationStudyBiblesESVandNKJVSocial-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under the watchful eye of general editor, R.C. Sproul, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/store\/product\/41111\">Reformation Study Bible<\/a> emphasizes our dependence on the grace of God. This trustworthy study Bible contains over 20,000 study notes, topical explanations, creeds &amp; confessions, and lots of additional features. Get your copy, available with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/store\/product\/41111\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NKJV<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/store\/product\/25789\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ESV<\/a>, today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/store\/product\/41111\" style=\"background-color:#77aa3c\">REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The two primary themes of Proverbs are introduced at the very beginning of the book. Let\u2019s look at how the themes of wisdom and the fear of the Lord set the stage for the rest of the book. We&#8217;ll be using introductory and study notes from the Reformation Study Bible (NKJV). The two primary themes<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":56066,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[7850],"tags":[6095],"class_list":["post-56062","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-study-bibles","tag-reformation-study-bible"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.3 (Yoast SEO v28.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Wisdom and Fear in Proverbs - Olive Tree Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Proverbs speaks frequently of the need for wisdom and the fear of the Lord. Let&#039;s examine these two themes with the Reformation Study Bible.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wisdom-and-fear-in-proverbs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Wisdom and Fear in Proverbs\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The two primary themes of Proverbs are introduced at the very beginning of the book. Let\u2019s look at how the themes of wisdom and the fear of the Lord set\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wisdom-and-fear-in-proverbs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Olive Tree Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/OliveTreeBible\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-06-02T16:51:48+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"http:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/peter-law-WlQPc1FZoPM-unsplash-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1707\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Brad Hoffman\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@OliveTreeBible\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@OliveTreeBible\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Brad Hoffman\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.olivetree.com\\\/blog\\\/wisdom-and-fear-in-proverbs\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.olivetree.com\\\/blog\\\/wisdom-and-fear-in-proverbs\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Brad Hoffman\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging-blog.olivetree.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/a5aa5788c774e9c21340b24cb3f5091b\"},\"headline\":\"Wisdom and Fear in Proverbs\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-06-02T16:51:48+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.olivetree.com\\\/blog\\\/wisdom-and-fear-in-proverbs\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1142,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.olivetree.com\\\/blog\\\/wisdom-and-fear-in-proverbs\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.olivetree.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/peter-law-WlQPc1FZoPM-unsplash-scaled.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Reformation Study Bible\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Study Bibles\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.olivetree.com\\\/blog\\\/wisdom-and-fear-in-proverbs\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.olivetree.com\\\/blog\\\/wisdom-and-fear-in-proverbs\\\/\",\"name\":\"Wisdom and Fear in Proverbs - Olive Tree Blog\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging-blog.olivetree.com\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.olivetree.com\\\/blog\\\/wisdom-and-fear-in-proverbs\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.olivetree.com\\\/blog\\\/wisdom-and-fear-in-proverbs\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.olivetree.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/peter-law-WlQPc1FZoPM-unsplash-scaled.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-06-02T16:51:48+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging-blog.olivetree.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/a5aa5788c774e9c21340b24cb3f5091b\"},\"description\":\"Proverbs speaks frequently of the need for wisdom and the fear of the Lord. 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