What is the beginning of wisdom according to Proverbs 9:10?

Study for the Bible Fencing Test. Deepen your scriptural knowledge with multiple choice questions and flashcards, each accompanied by helpful hints and explanations. Prepare yourself effectively for your test!

The foundational attitude in wisdom is reverence for the Lord. In Proverbs, wisdom starts not with clever thinking alone but with recognizing God’s authority, awe for His character, and a commitment to live according to His ways. This humble, trusting relationship with God shapes how we think, decide, and act, guiding us into righteous choices and prudent living. Knowing more about God enhances understanding, but the very first step that sets wisdom in motion is honoring and fearing the Lord—reverence that leads to obedience. The other ideas—knowledge and understanding—fit into this framework as outcomes and deeper insight that flow from that reverent relationship.