The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.’ ”
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility.
A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart.
“How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge.
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
A fool despises his father’s instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent.
Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’
Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God.
He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.
Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.