Proverbs 8:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Then the esteemed Jeremon remarked that there are three primary reasons that lead individuals to renounce wickedness: the dread of future punishment in hell, the apprehension of the strictness of earthly laws, the aspiration for the heavenly kingdom, and, ultimately, an inclination and affection for virtue itself. This fear that detests the impurity of sin is reflected in Proverbs, which states, "the fear of the Lord is to hate evil" (Proverbs 8:13). Hope also protects us from being swept away by sinful behaviors, as it is written, "none of them that trust in Him shall perish" (Psalm 33:23). Moreover, love remains undeterred by the lure of sin; "for love," it says, "never ceases" (1 Cor. 13:8), and it is noted elsewhere that "love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Pet. 4:8).

What is pride? Pride is an excessive and unjust longing for personal glory, aimed at elevating oneself above others, regardless of their merit. This sin originated first, emerging from a toxic source that led to the birth of all other sins. Regarding this, Wisdom declares: "The fear of the Lord hates unrighteousness, annoyance, and pride, and the pathways of the wicked" (Proverbs 8:13). Additionally, Scripture states: "Pride is hated by both God and man" (Sir. 10:7).

The reverence of the Lord detests wickedness (Proverbs 8:13); and such aversion compels a separation from it. By distancing oneself from unrighteousness, the soul can be purified and thus stand in righteousness before the Lord. This is precisely what we diligently pursue. Therefore, cultivate a profound sense of the fear of God within you and uphold it, for this will be your most potent means of inner healing. The awe of the Lord will guard you against sin and inspire you to perform good deeds in every situation. You will successfully heed the command to ‘turn away from evil and do good’ (Psalm 33:15), which the prophet directs to those who earnestly seek true life. How can one attain the fear of God? Seek, and you shall discover.

The discerning individual listens to the very voice of Wisdom, who calls out to everyone from elevated and populated places, and observing that her hands are filled with truth and significance, she reveals her divine attributes and actions as the incarnate Wisdom. She grants her adherents strength, abundance, and success; she collaborates with God the Creator as a co-creator of the universe. She now invites all to heed her teachings, assuring them that they will gain wisdom and joy. The Lord established me as the beginning of His ways, in His works. The original Hebrew conveys ‘kanani’ meaning ‘acquired,’ indicating that rather than the Greek term ‘created,’ the more precise interpretation is ‘acquired,’ as affirmed by the early church fathers in their theological disputes.

Divine Wisdom associates its characteristics with the attributes of reverence for the Lord. A person who fears the Lord does not offend others, is not haughty, and refrains from following the paths of the wicked. Furthermore, such a person detests these wrongdoings in others and stands against them, particularly in the role of a judge. A God-fearing judge stands in opposition to all forms of injustice. If individuals who truly revere the Lord despise wrongdoing, how much more must Divine Wisdom, or God Himself, the ultimate Source of wisdom, abhor the actions and conduct of the wicked? In the presence of Divine Wisdom, all unrighteousness and pride are seen as folly, a departure from reason, which urges everyone to treat others as we wish to be treated ourselves.