Proverbs 9:10: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

There’s a dividing line between those who are "wise" or "righteous" in their approach to wisdom (Proverbs 9:8–9) and those who are foolish and wicked is in this fundamental principle. There are plenty of statements made in Proverbs and echoed elsewhere in the Bible (Proverbs 1:7; 15:33; Psalm 111:10; Job 28:28). There are so many words in the Bible that can be translated such as the word "beginning" here it’s from the root tachillah, which implies a foundation or an origin. Solomon means it’s a prerequisite for wisdom. Without a humble, sincere reverence for who God is, a person will be arrogant and instinctively lash out when they are corrected (Proverbs 9:7).

Not one of us humans on the earth can be truly wise unless we fear the Lord. The term "fear of the Lord," occurs more than a dozen times in the book of Proverbs. This is respect, but it does not imply terror or panic. The idea is one we all should do, of humility, deep reverence, and submission. Basis for fearing God in this way is belief that He is holy and hates and punishes sin. Those who properly understand God's role have a clear view of reality, leading to insight and better outcomes in life and all that we do.

The exodus from Egypt, God pronounced blessings upon Israel if the people faithfully obeyed Him. God also pronounced curses upon them if they refused to obey Him. God gives warnings as well, "If we are not careful to do all his words of this law that are written in this book, that we may fear this glorious and awesome name, the LORD your God, then the LORD will bring on us and our offspring extraordinary afflictions, afflictions severe and lasting, and sicknesses grievous and lasting" (Deuteronomy 28:58–59).

The same context continues to warn that a lack of fear of the Lord will diminish Israel's population and bring ruin on the nation, removal from the Promised Land, dispersion, fear, and persecution.

Many would say wisdom is portrayed as a dignified woman who prepares a spacious house and feast. In today's world that could be someone that would invite others that would have a severe case of obsessive-compulsive disorder such as I do and needs to have everything perfect. She or he invites those who are gullible and lacking judgment to improve their wisdom, by accepting the invitation. She or he urges invitees to abandon their simple ways and walk in the way of insight. Solomon then emphasizes the attitudes of those whom are sincerely seek truth, compared to those who hate being corrected. The chapter ends with a description of Wisdom's mirror image. She or he is seductive and ignorant. She or he invites the gullible to enter her house, promising that immorality is enjoyable and pleasant. Sadly, those who are seduced do not realize the invitation leads to ruin and damnation.