The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom
The concept of "the fear of the LORD" is foundational in biblical teaching, emphasizing a deep reverence and awe for God. This fear is not about being afraid but about recognizing God's holiness, power, and authority. In the Hebrew context, "fear" (yirah) often implies respect and submission to God's will. The phrase "instruction of wisdom" suggests that true wisdom begins with understanding and respecting God's nature and commands. This aligns with Proverbs 9:10, which states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." Wisdom in the biblical sense is not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical application of God's truth in daily life. The instruction here implies a learning process, where one grows in understanding through a relationship with God.

and humility comes before honor
Humility is a recurring theme in Scripture, often linked with wisdom and righteousness. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, humility was not always valued, as honor and status were often pursued. However, the biblical perspective turns this on its head, teaching that true honor comes from God and is often preceded by humility. This principle is echoed in James 4:10, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." Humility involves recognizing one's limitations and dependence on God, contrasting with pride, which leads to downfall (Proverbs 16:18). Jesus Christ exemplified ultimate humility, as seen in Philippians 2:5-11, where He humbled Himself even to the point of death on a cross, and was subsequently exalted by God. This phrase teaches that in God's economy, lowering oneself in humility is the path to being lifted up in honor.

1. Solomon
Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom, which he received from God. His writings often focus on the practical application of wisdom in daily life.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness to His people. The "fear of the LORD" is a central theme in Proverbs, representing reverence and awe towards God.

3. Wisdom
In the context of Proverbs, wisdom is personified and is seen as a divine attribute that guides righteous living. It is not merely intellectual knowledge but involves moral and spiritual insight.

4. Humility
A key virtue in biblical teaching, humility is the quality of having a modest view of one's importance. It is often linked with the fear of the LORD and is seen as a precursor to receiving honor.

5. Honor
In biblical terms, honor is the recognition and respect given to someone due to their character and actions. It is often portrayed as a reward for living a life of wisdom and humility.The Foundation of Wisdom
The fear of the LORD is not just an emotion but a foundational principle for acquiring true wisdom. It involves a deep respect and reverence for God's authority and commandments.

The Role of Humility
Humility is essential for receiving wisdom and honor. It requires recognizing our limitations and dependence on God, which opens us to His guidance and blessings.

The Path to Honor
True honor comes from God and is often the result of a life lived in humility and obedience. It is not something to be pursued for its own sake but is a byproduct of a righteous life.

Practical Reverence
Fearing the LORD involves practical steps such as studying His Word, prayer, and living in accordance with His will. It is an active, ongoing process.

The Interconnectedness of Virtues
Wisdom, humility, and honor are interconnected virtues. Cultivating one often leads to the development of the others, creating a holistic approach to godly living.(33) The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom.--Or, a discipline which leads to wisdom. (Comp. Proverbs 1:7.)

Before honour is humility.--Humility leads to it. (Comp. Luke 1:52.)

Verse 33. - The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; that which leads to and gives wisdom (see Proverbs 1:3, 7, etc.; Proverbs 9:10). 'Pirke Aboth,' 3:26, "No wisdom, no fear of God; no fear of God, no wisdom. No knowledge, no discernment; no discernment, no knowledge." Before honour is humility (Proverbs 18:12). A man who fears God must be humble, and as the fear of God leads to wisdom, it may be said that humility leads to the honour and glory of being wise and reckoned among the wise (ver. 31). A man with a lowly opinion of himself will hearken to the teaching of the wise, and scrupulously obey the Law of God, and will be blessed in his ways. For "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble" (James 4:6; comp. Luke 1:52). The maxim in the second clause has a general application. "He that shall humble himself shall be exalted" (Matthew 23:12; comp. Luke 14:11; James 4:6). It is sanctioned by the example of Christ himself, the Spirit itself testifying beforehand his sufferings that were to precede his glory (1 Peter 1:11; see also Philippians 2:5, etc.). Septuagint, "The fear of the Lord is discipline and wisdom, and the beginning of glory shall answer to it." Another reading adds, "Glory goeth before the humble," which is explained to mean that the humble set before their eyes the reward that awaits their humility, and patiently endure, like Christ, "who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2).

Parallel Commentaries ...

The fear
יִרְאַ֣ת (yir·’aṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3374: Fear, reverence

of the LORD
יְ֭הוָה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

[is] the instruction
מוּסַ֣ר (mū·sar)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4148: Chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraint

of wisdom,
חָכְמָ֑ה (ḥāḵ·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451: Wisdom

and humility
עֲנָוָֽה׃ (‘ă·nā·wāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6038: Condescension

comes before
וְלִפְנֵ֖י (wə·lip̄·nê)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

honor.
כָב֣וֹד (ḵā·ḇō·wḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3519: Weight, splendor, copiousness


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:33 The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom (Prov. Pro Pr)