The book starts by explaining the origin of wisdom and identifies the only sage person and the highest level of wisdom humans can achieve. Verses 11-21 develop the theme of the “path” to wisdom: reverence for the Lord, or the fear of God, which is repeated like a chorus throughout the poem. If true wisdom is the fear of the Lord, then this fear or respect is simply the humble and conscious acknowledgment that we are creatures and that God, being the only truly wise and omnipotent being, should be revered. Humans should not try to equal God, because doing so would lead to dehumanization, which has continued throughout history. Therefore, the true path to wisdom involves everything that promotes the authentic humanization of men and women.