# Where is “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” in the Bible?

> “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” is Proverbs 9:10.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/the-fear-of-the-lord-is-the-beginning-of-wisdom
By Andrew Kittridge · November 10, 2026

It comes in the opening section of Proverbs, and it works as the motto of the book.

## The verse

> The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
>
> — [Proverbs 9:10](https://www.lumin.faith/read/proverbs/9#10) (Lumin Translation)

These exact words are in the King James Bible. The Lumin Translation, a modern English Bible, is quoted here, and it words the verse differently.

## What it means there

Fear here is awe and respect for God, the kind that changes how a person lives. Proverbs treats it as the starting point for wisdom, not a stage to grow out of.

## Also in the Bible

> The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom; all who practice it have good understanding. His praise endures forever.
>
> — [Psalm 111:10](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/111#10) (Lumin Translation)

> The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; fools scorn wisdom and instruction.
>
> — [Proverbs 1:7](https://www.lumin.faith/read/proverbs/1#7) (Lumin Translation)

## Common questions

### Where is “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” in the Bible?

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” is Proverbs 9:10. These exact words are in the King James Bible. The Lumin Translation, a modern English Bible, is quoted here, and it words the verse differently. It comes in the opening section of Proverbs, and it works as the motto of the book.

### Is “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” in the Bible?

Yes. It is Proverbs 9:10, and also Psalm 111:10 and Proverbs 1:7. In the Lumin Translation, Proverbs 9:10 reads: “The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

### Who said “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”?

It comes in the opening section of Proverbs, and it works as the motto of the book.

### What does “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” mean in the Bible?

Fear here is awe and respect for God, the kind that changes how a person lives. Proverbs treats it as the starting point for wisdom, not a stage to grow out of.

## More

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