For they hated knowledgeThis phrase highlights a deliberate rejection of wisdom and understanding. In the biblical context, "knowledge" often refers to a deep, experiential understanding of God's ways and His laws. The Hebrew word for "knowledge" (דַּעַת, da'at) implies more than just intellectual awareness; it suggests a relational and moral comprehension. This rejection is not merely passive ignorance but an active disdain for divine truth. In Proverbs, wisdom is personified and calls out to people, yet many choose to ignore her (
Proverbs 1:20-22). This reflects a broader biblical theme where humanity often turns away from God's revelation, as seen in
Romans 1:18-23, where people suppress the truth in unrighteousness.
and chose not to fear the LORD
The "fear of the LORD" is a central theme in Proverbs and is considered the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). This fear is not about terror but reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness and authority. Choosing not to fear the LORD indicates a willful decision to live independently of God's guidance and moral order. Historically, Israel's covenant relationship with God required them to fear Him and keep His commandments (Deuteronomy 10:12-13). This choice reflects a heart posture that is rebellious and self-reliant, akin to the attitude of the Israelites during periods of apostasy, such as in the time of the Judges when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). Theologically, this rejection of the fear of the LORD is seen as a root cause of moral and spiritual decay, leading to judgment and separation from God's blessings.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding.
2.
The SimpleIn the context of Proverbs, the "simple" refers to those who are naive or lack discernment, often choosing folly over wisdom.
3.
The Fear of the LORDA central theme in Proverbs, representing a reverent awe and respect for God, which is the beginning of wisdom.
4.
WisdomPersonified in Proverbs as a woman calling out to the simple, offering guidance and understanding.
5.
The FoolIn Proverbs, the fool is someone who despises wisdom and instruction, often leading to their downfall.
Teaching Points
The Importance of ReverenceThe fear of the LORD is not just an emotion but a foundational attitude that leads to true wisdom and understanding.
The Consequences of Rejecting WisdomChoosing to hate knowledge and reject the fear of the LORD leads to spiritual and moral decay.
The Call to Seek WisdomActively seek wisdom and understanding through prayer, study, and a relationship with God.
The Role of Choice in Spiritual GrowthEvery individual has the choice to pursue wisdom or folly; our choices have significant spiritual consequences.
The Danger of ComplacencyIgnoring the call to fear the LORD and gain knowledge can lead to a hardened heart and eventual destruction.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 1:29?
2.How does Proverbs 1:29 emphasize the importance of seeking God's wisdom daily?
3.What are the consequences of "hating knowledge" according to Proverbs 1:29?
4.How can we cultivate a love for knowledge as Proverbs 1:29 advises?
5.What other scriptures highlight the dangers of rejecting wisdom and knowledge?
6.How can Proverbs 1:29 guide our decision-making in everyday life?
7.Why do people reject wisdom according to Proverbs 1:29?
8.How does Proverbs 1:29 define the fear of the LORD?
9.What historical context influences the message of Proverbs 1:29?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 1?
11.What defines a teachable spirit?
12.How will wisdom be destroyed?
13.What is a debased mind?
14.Proverbs 25:2 - Why would an all-knowing and benevolent God find glory in concealing information from humanity?What Does Proverbs 1:29 Mean
For they hated knowledge• The opening charge is stark—people actively reject the wisdom God freely offers (Proverbs 1:20-22).
• “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7); hating knowledge, therefore, is hating the very foundation of true understanding.
• Scripture shows this disdain repeatedly:
–Hosea 4:6—“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
–Romans 1:28—when people “did not see fit to acknowledge God,” He gave them over to a debased mind.
–John 3:19-20—light came, yet men loved darkness because their deeds were evil.
• By turning from God’s revealed truth, they forfeit the blessings tied to wisdom (Proverbs 2:6-8) and invite the consequences wisdom warns about (Proverbs 1:24-27).
and chose not• The verse underlines personal responsibility. Rejection of God is not accidental; it is a willful decision.
• Throughout Scripture God honors the freedom to choose:
–Deuteronomy 30:19—“I have set before you life and death… now choose life.”
–Joshua 24:15—“Choose this day whom you will serve.”
–Isaiah 65:12—the rebellious “did evil in My sight and chose what displeased Me.”
• By choosing against God, people align themselves with folly (Proverbs 9:13-18) rather than wisdom (Proverbs 9:1-6). The moral weight rests squarely on the human heart.
to fear the LORD• The fear of the LORD is a holy, worshipful reverence that keeps life in alignment with God’s character (Job 28:28;Proverbs 9:10).
• It is the beginning and guardrail of wisdom, producing:
– Understanding (Proverbs 2:5).
– Hatred of evil (Proverbs 8:13).
– Strong confidence and refuge (Proverbs 14:26).
– Prolonged life (Proverbs 10:27).
• By refusing this fear, people unplug themselves from the source of discernment and blessing, fulfilling Solomon’s warning that calamity will strike and wisdom’s voice will no longer be heard (Proverbs 1:30-33).
•Acts 9:31 shows the opposite outcome: when the church “walked in the fear of the Lord,” it multiplied in peace and strength.
summaryProverbs 1:29 exposes a deliberate downward spiral: first despising divine knowledge, then exercising free will against God, and finally rejecting the reverent awe that anchors wisdom. Scripture treats each step as conscious rebellion, not ignorance. Those who hate knowledge and refuse the fear of the LORD sever themselves from God’s protection and insight, while those who embrace His wisdom find life, safety, and blessing.
Verses 29 and 30 belong to ver. 28, and are not the antecedent clauses to ver. 31, as Zochler remarks. They recapitulate the charges already made against the sinners in vers. 22 and 25, and now set them forth as the ground or reason why Wisdom, on her part, turns a deaf ear to their entreatries. Wisdom will disregard the n because they have previously disregatded her. The connection is denoted in the LXX. by
γὰρ, for the Hebrew
takbath ki, equivalent to "
because," and in the Authorized Version by the punctuation.
Did not choose the fear of the Lord. The verb "to choose" (
בָּחַר,
bakhar) combines in itself the meanings of
eligere and
diligere (Fleischer), and therefore signifies here not only choice of, but also the fuller sense of love for, the fear of the Lord.
They despised;
i.e. rejected the reproof with scorn or derision, sneered or turned up their noses at it (
μυκτηρίζειν, LXX.), disparaged it (
detrahere, Vulgate), or, more strongly, as Gejerus says, execrated it. Their rejection of reproof is stigmatized in stronger terms than in ver. 25.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Forכִּי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionthey hatedשָׂ֣נְאוּ(śā·nə·’ū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 8130:To hateknowledgeדָ֑עַת(ḏā·‘aṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1847:Knowledgeand choseבָחָֽרוּ׃(ḇā·ḥā·rū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 977:To try, selectnotלֹ֣א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noto fearוְיִרְאַ֥ת(wə·yir·’aṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3374:Fear, reverencethe LORD.יְ֝הֹוָ֗ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 1:29 Because they hated knowledge and didn't choose (Prov. Pro Pr)