The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;The concept of "the fear of the LORD" is foundational in biblical teaching, appearing frequently in wisdom literature such as Proverbs (
Proverbs 1:7) and Job (
Job 28:28). This fear is not about terror but reverence and awe for God's holiness and authority. It signifies a proper relationship with God, acknowledging His sovereignty and righteousness. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wisdom was highly valued, and its pursuit was seen as a path to a successful and righteous life. The phrase suggests that true wisdom starts with recognizing and respecting God's position as Creator and Judge.
all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding.
The term "precepts" refers to God's commandments and teachings, as found in the Torah and throughout Scripture. Following these precepts involves obedience and a commitment to living according to God's will. This obedience is not merely external but involves a heart aligned with God's purposes. The promise of "rich understanding" implies that those who live by God's laws gain insight into life's complexities and moral clarity. This understanding is not just intellectual but practical, guiding believers in making decisions that honor God. The connection toDeuteronomy 4:6 highlights how obedience to God's laws was meant to be a witness to the nations of Israel's wisdom and understanding.
His praise endures forever!
This phrase emphasizes the eternal nature of God's worthiness to be praised. Throughout the Psalms, God's enduring praise is a recurring theme, reflecting His unchanging nature and everlasting kingdom (Psalm 145:13). The idea that His praise endures forever points to the eternal impact of His works and character. In a historical context, this enduring praise is seen in the continuous worship practices of Israel, such as the temple rituals and festivals. Theologically, it foreshadows the eternal worship of God in the new creation, as depicted inRevelation 5:13, where every creature praises God. This eternal praise is a response to His faithfulness, justice, and mercy, which are evident throughout history and will continue into eternity.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature, as well as His relationship with His people.
2.
WisdomA key theme in biblical literature, often associated with living in accordance with God's will and understanding His ways.
3.
PreceptsRefers to God's commandments and teachings, which guide believers in righteous living.
4.
PraiseThe act of worship and adoration directed towards God, acknowledging His greatness and eternal nature.
Teaching Points
The Foundation of WisdomTrue wisdom begins with a reverent fear of the LORD. This fear is not terror but a deep respect and awe for God's holiness and authority.
Living by God's PreceptsFollowing God's commandments leads to a rich understanding of life and aligns us with His will. Obedience to His word is a pathway to wisdom.
Enduring PraiseOur lives should be a continuous act of worship, reflecting God's eternal nature. As we grow in wisdom, our praise for Him should deepen and endure.
The Role of ReverenceReverence for God is not just the start of wisdom but its continual source. It shapes our decisions, actions, and understanding of the world.
Wisdom in CommunityWisdom is not just personal but communal. As we follow God's precepts together, we build a community that reflects His wisdom and understanding.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 111:10?
2.How does Psalm 111:10 define "the fear of the LORD" in our lives?
3.What does "good understanding" mean in the context of Psalm 111:10?
4.How can we apply "fear of the LORD" to daily decision-making?
5.Which other scriptures emphasize wisdom through fearing the LORD?
6.How does Psalm 111:10 encourage lifelong obedience to God's commandments?
7.What does "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" mean in Psalm 111:10?
8.How does Psalm 111:10 define wisdom in a biblical context?
9.Why is fearing the LORD considered the foundation of wisdom in Psalm 111:10?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 111?
11.What defines Radical Orthodoxy in theological terms?
12.What is the beginning of knowledge?
13.What is the beginning of knowledge?
14.What does "Fear Is a Liar" mean?What Does Psalm 111:10 Mean
The fear of the LORD“The fear of the LORD …” (Psalm 111:10)
• Not terror that drives us away, but reverent awe that draws us near, as seen inExodus 20:20—“Do not be afraid … the fear of Him will be with you to keep you from sinning.”
• This posture shapes life:Deuteronomy 10:12 ties fear of the LORD to walking in His ways and loving Him.
•Proverbs 1:7 echoes the same starting point: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.”
•Hebrews 12:28-29 points us to “acceptable worship with reverence and awe.”
Reverence establishes the relationship in which everything else in the verse makes sense.
is the beginning of wisdom“… is the beginning of wisdom …” (v. 10 b)
• Wisdom starts, not with information, but with a right relationship to God.Job 28:28 draws the line clearly: “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom.”
•Proverbs 9:10 repeats the same equation, confirming that all true wisdom grows out of this foundation.
•James 3:13 reminds us that wisdom shows in “good conduct,” not clever words.
•Colossians 2:3 locates all treasures of wisdom in Christ, underscoring that a God-centered starting point leads straight to Him.
all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding“… all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding.” (v. 10 c)
• Obedience unlocks insight.Psalm 119:98-100 shows how God’s commands make a believer “wiser than my enemies.”
• Jesus ties love and obedience together inJohn 14:21: “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me.” Understanding grows in the keeping, not merely the hearing.
•1 John 2:3-5 affirms that knowing God is verified by keeping His commands.
•Matthew 7:24-25 pictures the wise person building on the rock—hearing and doing Christ’s words.
• The blessing is “rich” because obedience aligns us with how God designed life to work.
His praise endures forever!“His praise endures forever!” (v. 10 d)
• The psalm ends by lifting our eyes from our obedience to God’s everlasting worth.Revelation 5:13 shows every creature joining a song that never ends.
•Psalm 145:2 speaks of praising God “every day,” hinting that daily praise foreshadows eternal praise.
•Isaiah 40:8 says, “The word of our God stands forever,” so the praise grounded in that word stands forever too.
•Philippians 2:9-11 assures us every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord, guaranteeing that praise outlasts all time.
summaryWisdom starts with reverent awe of the LORD, flourishes through obedient living, and culminates in praise that never fades. By fearing God, we gain the right foundation; by following His precepts, we grow in rich understanding; and by joining the eternal chorus, we find our ultimate purpose—His praise, now and forever.
(10)
A good understanding . . .--Better,
a good estimation have all they that do them.The parallelism here, as the context of
Proverbs 3:4, decides for this rendering against that of the margin, "a good success." Not only is piety the beginning of wisdom, but righteousness wins good esteem. For by
his praisewe must certainly understand the praise of the good man.
Verse 10. -
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (comp.
Proverbs 1:7;
Proverbs 9:10; Ecclus. 1:16; and also
Job 28:28). The meaning seems to be that "the beginning of wisdom is not found in keen insight, nor wide experience, nor the learn-hag of the schools, but in the temper of reverence and awe. The fear of the finite in the presence of the Infinite, of the sinful in the presence of the Holy, self-abhorring, adoring, as in Job's confession - this for the Israelite was the starting-point of all true wisdom" (Dean Plumptre).
A good under standing have all they that do his commandments; literally,
that do them; but the "commandments" of ver. 7 are, no doubt, intended.
His praise endureth forever. The praise "of
him," not "of
it,"
as in the Prayer-book Version. As he had begun (ver. 1), so the psalmist ends, with Jehovah's praise.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The fearיִרְאַ֬ת(yir·’aṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3374:Fear, reverenceof the LORDיְהוָ֗ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelis the beginningרֵ֘אשִׁ֤ית(rê·šîṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7225:The first, in place, time, order, rankof wisdom;חָכְמָ֨ה ׀(ḥāḵ·māh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451:Wisdomallלְכָל־(lə·ḵāl)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everywho follow [His precepts]עֹשֵׂיהֶ֑ם(‘ō·śê·hem)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6213:To do, makehave a richט֭וֹב(ṭō·wḇ)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896:Pleasant, agreeable, goodunderstanding.שֵׂ֣כֶל(śê·ḵel)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7922:Intelligence, successHis praiseתְּ֝הִלָּת֗וֹ(tə·hil·lā·ṯōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8416:Praise, song of praiseenduresעֹמֶ֥דֶת(‘ō·me·ḏeṯ)Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 5975:To stand, in various relationsforever!לָעַֽד׃(lā·‘aḏ)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5703:A, terminus, duration, advance, perpetuity
Links
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OT Poetry: Psalm 111:10 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
