Proverbs 9:10

10. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom See on Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 2:5. As in the beginning of this introductory discourse (or lecture, as we would call it in modern phrase,) the author commenced with this maxim, expressed in somewhat different form, as his motto or text, so now, in drawing to a conclusion, he returns to it, and repeats it with some modification and addition. In Proverbs 1:7 the form is יראת יהוה ראשׁית דעת , yirath Yehovah reshith da’hath, the fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge. Here the form is, תחלת חכמה יראת יהוה , tehhillath hhokmah yirath Yehovah, the beginning of wisdom is the fear of Jehovah. The proposition being a convertible one, the subject and predicate exchange places. Possibly nothing more was intended than variety of expression. In our way it may be stated thus: To fear the Lord is the first and most important thing in order to obtain knowledge. Proverbs 1:7. The first and most important thing in order to be wise is to fear the Lord. Proverbs 9:10.

In the next member we find a synonymous parallelism.

And the knowledge of the Holy is understanding Literally, the Holy Ones; but this is undoubtedly a plural of excellency or intensity the Most Holy One. The sentiment of the verse is: Even a beginning cannot be made in true wisdom without piety. Scorners and wicked persons, therefore, cannot attain unto it. Some commentators, and the Geneva Bible, render קדשׁים , ( kedhoshim,) holy things. But the other sense, given above, is better, and more generally approved.