Why does it say "Techilas Chachmah Yir'as Hashem"?
Malbim: This explains why Chachmah sent its Na'aros to call and invite, and did not call by itself. One does not attain Chachmah himself via proofs of Da'as, and Chachmah opposes the heart's nature. Chachmah's beginning is Yir'as Hashem - to receive it from Chachamim of the generation and Nevi'im speaking in the name of Hashem. Since they fear Hashem, they accept the Chachmah that He gave.
Elsewhere, it says "Reishis Chachmah Yir'as Hashem" (Tehilim 111:10). Why does it say here "Techilas Chachmah"?
Malbim 1 : Reishis is part of the matter, e.g. "Reishis Deganecha" (Devarim 18:4), "Reishis Arisoseichem" (Bamidbar 15:20). There is Yir'as Hashem that is also from the laws of Chachmah - fearing Him Himself. It is the Reishis and the chosen Chok in it. Some Yir'as Hashem is not from the laws of Chachmah - fearing punishment, or that Hashem will withhold from him good if he veers from the laws of Chachmah. This is not according to Chachmah; one should fear Hashem Himself! Even so, it is Techilas Chachmah - it helps to subdue him and hear the laws of Chachmah due to fear of punishment. The Torah and Nevi'im warned against defying Hashem's commands due to this fear!
Malbim said that earlier in the Sefer, it says "Reishis Chachmah Yir'as Hashem." Perhaps he refers to "Yir'as Hashem Reishis Da'as" (1:7). (PF)
Is Da'as Kedoshim the same as Binah?
Rashi: It is the primary Binah.
Malbim: Binah is the beginning of Da'as Kedoshim. To reach the Klal of Da'as Kedoshim, to have clear knowledge of matters of Chachmah, e.g. the Kedoshim who reached Da'as, this is via Binah. After receiving the laws of Chachmah and he knows that they are from Hashem, and he thinks deeply in Chachmah, he reaches Da'as - "Lada'as Chachmah u'Musar" (1:2)
