proverb · Source-linked selection
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying places reverence for God at the start of wisdom. It expresses a religious account of learning and moral judgment rather than a universal test of intelligence.
What the words are saying
Fear of the Lord gives a sacred relationship the role of foundation. Within a believer’s reading, it can signify taking moral responsibility seriously before claiming knowledge. It should not be used to dismiss the judgment of people with different beliefs or to make terror a requirement for learning. A respectful interpretation keeps the premise visible and examines how it shapes conduct.
Everyday example
A believer reflects on their moral commitments before making a decision that affects others.
When to use it
Use it to discuss wisdom within the saying’s religious frame.
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What it does not mean
It expresses belief, not proof that people outside the faith lack wisdom.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases
Entry 1803 · Wisdom
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- English