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    Wisdom & Reverence

    Psalm 111:10 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "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."
    — Psalm 111:10 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    The fear of the LORD is not where wisdom ends — it's where wisdom BEGINS. Without reverence for God, you don't even have the starting point. True wisdom starts with recognizing who God is and responding with awe.

    Historical Context

    Psalm 111 is an acrostic celebrating God's works. After recounting His faithfulness, the psalm concludes with the foundational principle: all wisdom begins with fearing this God.

    Original Language Insights

    'Reshit chokhmah yir'at YHWH' — 'reshit' can mean beginning (starting point) or chief part (primary component). Both are true. 'Sekhel tov le-khol-oseihem' — understanding comes to those who DO the commandments.

    Theological Significance

    This verse, paralleled in Proverbs 1:7 and 9:10, establishes that ALL genuine wisdom is rooted in the fear of the LORD. The connection between fearing God and doing His commandments shows wisdom is lived, not just known.

    Practical Application

    If you want wisdom, start with reverence. Before seeking strategies, orient your heart toward God. Every genuinely wise decision begins with: 'What does God think about this?'

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Proverbs 1:7

    "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge."

    Proverbs' parallel statement.

    Proverbs 9:10

    "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom."

    Solomon's expansion of the same principle.

    Job 28:28

    "The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom."

    Job reaches the same conclusion.

    Prayer Response

    Lord, teach me to fear You with reverent awe. Let that reverence be the beginning of genuine wisdom. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does 'fear of the LORD' mean?

    Not terror but reverent awe — recognizing God's supreme authority, holiness, and power.

    Why is fear the 'beginning' of wisdom?

    Without recognizing God's authority, all other knowledge lacks its proper foundation.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Psalms 111 verse by verse:

    Before · Psalm 111:8Exact verse

    They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.

    Theme: Commandments That Never Expire

    Before · Psalm 111:9Exact verse

    He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

    Theme: Redemption, Covenant, and a Holy Name

    Nearest commentary in Psalms

    Earlier · 4 ch back · Psalm 107:1Nearest chapter

    O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

    Theme: Thanksgiving

    Later · 1 ch forward · Psalm 112:1Nearest chapter

    Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

    Theme: Blessedness & Obedience

    Later · 4 ch forward · Psalm 115:1Nearest chapter

    Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.

    Theme: Glory Belongs to God Alone

    Later · 4 ch forward · Psalm 115:3Nearest chapter

    But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

    Theme: God's Sovereignty

    Read Psalms 110No commentary yet
    Read Psalms 111 (full)Nearest commentary: Psalm 111:9
    Read Psalms 112Commentary: Psalm 112:1
    Previous commentary: Psalm 111:9Next commentary: Psalm 112:1

    Related Commentaries

    Proverbs 1:7 Commentary

    "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and…"

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    Wisdom & Obedience

    Psalm 90:12 Commentary

    "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.…"

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    Scripture Illuminates

    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What Does It Mean to Fear the Lord?

    The fear of the Lord is reverent awe and deep respect for God's holiness, power, and authority — it is the beginning of wisdom and the foundation of a righteous life.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Wisdom?

    Biblical wisdom is the practical application of God's truth to daily life, beginning with reverence for God and found primarily through Scripture and the Holy Spirit.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Mean by 'Fear of the Lord'?

    The fear of the Lord is not terror but reverent awe — a deep respect for God's holiness, power, and authority that is the foundation of true wisdom.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Wisdom?

    The Bible teaches that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is available to anyone who asks God for it in faith.

    Read answer

    Wisdom vs. Knowledge — What's the Difference?

    Knowledge is the accumulation of facts and information; wisdom is the godly application of knowledge to life. Both begin with the fear of the Lord.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Fear?

    The Bible distinguishes between godly fear (reverence for God) and sinful fear (anxiety and dread), commanding believers to trust God rather than give in to fear.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Psalm 46:1 – Meaning & Devotional

    "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

    Psalm 27:1 – Meaning & Devotional

    "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

    Psalm 37:4 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Deliverance & Judgment
    Old Testament

    The Plague Stopped by Phinehas

    Phinehas' zealous act ends a plague that killed 24,000 Israelites at Peor.

    Read the miracle
    Signs & Wonders
    New Testament

    Water Turned into Wine

    Jesus' first public miracle at a wedding in Cana turned six water pots into the best wine.

    Read the miracle

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Commentary

    Proverbs 1:7 Commentary

    In-depth study • Wisdom & Reverence

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    Proverbs 9:10 Commentary

    In-depth study • Wisdom and Reverence

    Commentary

    Job 28:28 Commentary

    In-depth study • True Wisdom Defined

    Devotional

    Proverbs 1:7 — Meaning & Devotional

    Wisdom

    Word Meaning

    Fear (Yirah) (יִרְאָה (yirah))

    Reverent awe — the trembling wonder and holy respect that constitutes true wisdom.

    Strong's

    Strong's H3374 — Fear (Yirah)

    יִרְאָה (yirah) • Reverent awe — the trembling wonder and holy respect that constitutes true wisdom.

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