Proverbs 1:7

King James Version

⁷The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7

New International Version

⁷The fear of the Lord^(A) is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools^[a] despise wisdom^(B) and instruction.^(C)

Footnotes

Proverbs 1:7 The Hebrew words rendered fool in Proverbs, and often elsewhere in the Old Testament, denote a person who is morally deficient.

Proverbs 1:7

Amplified Bible

⁷
The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence];
But arrogant ^[a]fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline.^(A)

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Footnotes

Proverbs 1:7 In Proverbs various kinds of fools are discussed including those who are closed-minded, over-confident, and reject instruction and correction—the unteachable; those who lack spiritual insight—the spiritually blind; and those who are flippant, hardened, and who deliberately choose to reject God and wisdom—the arrogant.