Read Proverbs 1 here (text coming …) or at Bible Gateway.
The Hebrew paragraphs:
1:1-7 {p} The fear of YHVH, the beginning of wisdom
1:8-33 {p} Hear wisdom; do not forsake law for lawlessness
The fear of YHVH is the beginning of knowledge, but the foolish despise wisdom and discipline. Pro 1:7
What is the fear of YHVH?
The Hebrew Root Word parable will define it. Fear is Strong’s H3374 yirah, an abstract concept. Its negative spin is “terror.” Its positive spin is “respect, reverence.” It is from Strong’s H3372 ירא yara, a primitive root meaning, “to fear.” The ancient pictographs are yud + resh + aleph.
yud י = closed hand, thus work, throw, worship
resh ר = head of man, thus head, first, top, beginning, man
aleph א = ox head, thus strength, power, leader
The man fears what he worships (yud) above himself (resh) as the greater (aleph).
To fear YHVH is to perceive that He is greater than us, and we worship Him out of the realization of His greatness, glory, and majesty. He is worthy of our worship. It does not mean to be terrified of Him.
When I was a young child, my father loved me enough to set boundaries for me. I was afraid to cross them, because that would mean crossing him. I feared him in the sense that I did not want to invite his displeasure, disappointment, or discipline. I loved him and wanted his approval! That’s a healthy fear; it kept me from blindly running into a busy road or going with strangers. That is the same fear of Father God that is the beginning of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom.
If there are questions, these are good resources:
Proverbs 1, Hebrew Root Words – Christine Miller
Index of Hebrew Roots – Christine Miller
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