Psalm 111:10
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Context
Psalm 111 is an acrostic hymn praising God's works and faithfulness. Verse 10 concludes by naming the fear of the LORD as the foundation of wisdom.
What Does Psalm 111:10 Mean?
This verse states one of the foundational principles of biblical wisdom: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." The "fear of the LORD" is not terror but reverence -- a deep awe and respect for God that takes Him seriously as God. It is the starting point, the doorway, without which true wisdom cannot even begin. A person may be clever or well-informed, but real wisdom starts with rightly honoring God.
The verse then links wisdom to obedience: "a good understanding have all they that do his commandments." Notice it is not merely those who know God's commandments, but those who do them, who gain understanding. Wisdom in the Bible is practical; it shows itself in how a person lives. Doing what God commands is itself a path to deeper understanding -- the obedient heart sees more clearly. The verse closes the psalm on a note of praise: "his praise endureth for ever." Having described God's great and honorable works throughout the psalm, the writer ends where wisdom leads -- in lasting worship. The verse ties together reverence, obedience, and praise into a single vision of the good life. To fear God, to do what He says, and to praise Him forever is the shape of true wisdom.
In the Original Language
"Fear" renders the Hebrew yirah, reverent awe rather than dread; "beginning" is reshith, the first and chief part, suggesting both the starting point and the foundation of wisdom.
Cross References
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”
- Proverbs 9:10
“And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”
- Job 28:28
“If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.”
- John 7:17
Application
Begin the pursuit of real wisdom with reverence for God, and let it show in obedience -- doing His commandments, not just knowing them, deepens true understanding.