The answer is: Wisdom and instruction

Pro 1:7

The passage from Proverbs 1:7 certainly sets a mystical tone when talking about why fear of the Lord opens the door to knowledge. It’s an unsettling word for some—“fear” can feel heavy. However, in this context, it really refers to a deep respect or reverence. This respect often encompasses living ethically and seeking understanding beyond mere information, which points us toward wisdom—the higher order of comprehension.

“Fools despise wisdom and instruction,” positions those ignoring knowledge as embracing folly. But guess what? The biblical recurrence of wisdom and folly connects closely to the broader Hebrew wisdom literature. Think about the Book of Ecclesiastes, which portrays the futility of life when one ignores wise living.

You can also find echoes of this message in the teachings of Jesus, who emphasizes knowledge and clarity, saying in Matthew 7:24 that those who hear his words and act on them are like wise builders—this motif stretches across even the New Testament!

On a lighter note, did you know that Proverbs is packed with pithy one-liners offering life’s best nuggets? “A soft answer turns away wrath” and “A merry heart does good like medicine”—sweet, practical advice that feels timeless. And while minds might wander in debates about reverence, all paths in scripture eventually lead back to increasing our understanding of life, our interactions, and the world around us!