The preface has stated the object of this Book of Wisdom. The book itself now opens with a noble sentence. ‘There is not’ — as Bishop Patrick observes — ‘such a wise instruction to be found in all their books (speaking of Heathen ethics), as the very first of all in Solomon's, which he lays as the ground of all wisdom.’† The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. So Job had pronounced before. (Job 28:28.) So had the wise man's father. (Psalm 111:10.) Such is the weight of this saying, that Solomon again repeats it.† Nay — after having gone round the whole circuit; after having weighed exactly all the sources of knowledge; his conclusion of the whole matter is this, that the fear of God in its practical exercise “is the whole of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13. Compare Job 28:12-14, with 28) — all his duty; all his happiness; his first lesson and his last. Thus, when about to instruct us from the mouth of God, he begins at the beginning, the principle part. All heathen wisdom is but folly. Of all knowledge, the knowledge of God is the principal. There is no true knowledge without godliness. (Compare Deuteronomy 4:6, 7.)

But what is this fear of the LORD? It is that affectionate reverence, by which the child of God bends himself humbly and carefully to his Father's law. His wrath is so bitter, and his love so sweet; that hence springs an earnest desire to please him, and — because of the danger of coming short from his own weakness and temptations — a holy watchfulness and fear, “that he might not sin against him.” (Hebrews 12:28, 29.) This enters into every exercise of the mind, every object of life. (Chapter 23:17.) The oldest proficient in the Divine school seeks a more complete molding into its spirit. The godly parent trains up his family under its influence. (Genesis 18:19. Ephesians 6:4.) The Christian scholar honours it as the beginning, the head, of all his knowledge; at once sanctifying its end, and preserving him from its most subtle temptations.

Why then do multitudes around us despise wisdom and instruction? Because the beginning of wisdom — “the fear of God — is not before their eyes.” (Psalm 36:1.) They know not its value. They scorn its obligation. Wise they may be in their own sight. But surely God here gives them their right name. For fools they must be, to despise such a blessing (Jeremiah 8:9); to rush into willful ruin (Verses 22, 24-32. Compare 1 Samuel 2:25. 1 Kings 12:13. Jeremiah 36:22-32); to treasure up work for despairing repentance. (Chapter 5:12, 13; 29:1.) Good Lord! May the childlike fear be my wisdom, my security, my happiness!