When do children begin learning and having knowledge?  From the time a baby is born he/she is learning!

What does God say about “the beginning of knowledge?”
(ESV) Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
Fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

The fear of the Lord is reverent and worshipful; to admit that God is greater than anyone or anything.  He is the Lord God!  The beginning of knowledge is the starting point.  The beginning is to acknowledge God as Almighty God.

The proverb states that “Fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  People who do not believe God or do not believe in God are called fools.  They despise wisdom that is godly.  They disdain, discredit and disbelieve God’s instruction which comes from God Himself.  They refuse and reject discipline as if they don’t need correction.

What a contrast!  Read that proverb again from another translation.
(NIV) Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

There is no middle ground!

There is no fence straddling.

Either you believe God…or not!

(NASB) Matthew 22:37 “…You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…”
Putting God first, loving Him will increase your love for others and even loving yourself!  God loves you!  You are acceptable to Him; you are pleasing to Him when you yield yourself to Him.  He said so!

(NASB) Romans 12:1-2 “THEREFORE I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Are you seeking to be wise?  Then fear the Lord!  That is wisdom!

Are you seeking understanding?  Then depart, turn from, shun evil!  That is understanding.  (Job 28:28)