“wise instruction.” Or, “wise doctrine.” The REV translates the Hebrew as an attributive genitive; “wise instruction.” The Hebrew in this verse can be read several different ways. The verb instruction is in the construct state, and is juxtaposed with wisdom, almost like “instruction…wisdom.” So does it mean that the fear of Yahweh is the instruction that comes from Wisdom, or that the fear of the Lord is the instruction that produces wisdom? People who live in the fear of the Lord would say it is both. Living day to day in the fear of God certainly gives wisdom, but it is also true that wisdom, gained through practical experience, will instruct one to live in the fear of Yahweh. When we read the verse as “instruction that comes from Wisdom,” then we see Wisdom as a personification.

[For more on personification, see commentary on Proverbs 1:20.]