§ 1:7 The fear of the LORD. This idea is the controlling principle of Proverbs, and is ancient Israel’s decisive contribution to the human quest for knowledge and understanding. The fear of the Lord is the only basis of true knowledge. This “fear” is not distrustful terror of God, but rather the reverent awe and worshipful response of faith to the God who reveals Himself as Creator, Savior, and Judge. Although Israel’s covenant relationship with God receives little overt attention in Proverbs, the
Proverbs 1:7