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)

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

The Message

⁷Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God;
only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning.

⁷^(A)To have knowledge, you must first have reverence for the Lord.^[a] Stupid people have no respect for wisdom and refuse to learn.

Proverbs 1:7 To … Lord; or The most important part of knowledge is having reverence for the Lord.

⁷^(A)The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.

New International Version (NIV)