NOTES for Pro 1:1-33
The fear of the Lord is called the beginning of wisdom, and this does not seem surprising; only after this can everything else be discussed. Immediately after such a fundamental statement comes the need to treat one's parents with reverence. This, too, is no surprise: the only one of the Ten Commandments that promises an earthly reward for its fulfillment calls us to honor father and mother. The attainment of wisdom begins in the family, just as the path to God begins with the first steps.
People, however, are too ready to take anything at all for wisdom except wisdom itself, and for centuries the advice to heed wisdom has flown, if not entirely past their ears, then past their hearts. Those who reject wisdom will drink deeply of sorrow, while those who consider the ways of evil more profitable act not only sinfully, but impractically.