What is the meaning of Proverbs 1:29? For they hated knowledge • The opening charge is stark—people actively reject the wisdom God freely offers (Proverbs 1:20-22). • “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7); hating knowledge, therefore, is hating the very foundation of true understanding. • Scripture shows this disdain repeatedly: – Hosea 4:6—“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” – Romans 1:28—when people “did not see fit to acknowledge God,” He gave them over to a debased mind. – John 3:19-20—light came, yet men loved darkness because their deeds were evil. • By turning from God’s revealed truth, they forfeit the blessings tied to wisdom (Proverbs 2:6-8) and invite the consequences wisdom warns about (Proverbs 1:24-27). and chose not • The verse underlines personal responsibility. Rejection of God is not accidental; it is a willful decision. • Throughout Scripture God honors the freedom to choose: – Deuteronomy 30:19—“I have set before you life and death… now choose life.” – Joshua 24:15—“Choose this day whom you will serve.” – Isaiah 65:12—the rebellious “did evil in My sight and chose what displeased Me.” • By choosing against God, people align themselves with folly (Proverbs 9:13-18) rather than wisdom (Proverbs 9:1-6). The moral weight rests squarely on the human heart. to fear the LORD • The fear of the LORD is a holy, worshipful reverence that keeps life in alignment with God’s character (Job 28:28; Proverbs 9:10). • It is the beginning and guardrail of wisdom, producing: – Understanding (Proverbs 2:5). – Hatred of evil (Proverbs 8:13). – Strong confidence and refuge (Proverbs 14:26). – Prolonged life (Proverbs 10:27). • By refusing this fear, people unplug themselves from the source of discernment and blessing, fulfilling Solomon’s warning that calamity will strike and wisdom’s voice will no longer be heard (Proverbs 1:30-33). • Acts 9:31 shows the opposite outcome: when the church “walked in the fear of the Lord,” it multiplied in peace and strength. summary Proverbs 1:29 exposes a deliberate downward spiral: first despising divine knowledge, then exercising free will against God, and finally rejecting the reverent awe that anchors wisdom. Scripture treats each step as conscious rebellion, not ignorance. Those who hate knowledge and refuse the fear of the LORD sever themselves from God’s protection and insight, while those who embrace His wisdom find life, safety, and blessing. |
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