The Fear of the Lord

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the holy one is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10

Having a “FEAR” of the Lord means to have reverence and respect for God. Many people today do not fear God simply because they do not believe that God even exists. They do not obey God’s law because they do not believe there are consequences for disobedience.

It is sad when people have enough fear of the IRS to pay taxes, but not enough to pay tithes—or enough fear of the highway patrol to obey the speed limit, but not enough to stay on the road of righteousness—or enough fear of their employer to get to work on time, but not enough fear of God to attend church regularly.

“The fear of the Lord is to hate evil.” (Proverbs 6:13a) Have you been FEARING all the wrong things—things like failure, people, death, the future? “The FEAR of the Lord” adds length to life. (Proverbs 10:27) Humility and “the FEAR of the Lord” bring wealth and honor and life. (Proverbs 22:4) It is God, your Creator, who breathes life into man and keeps the delicate balance of the world in place. People ought to FEAR Him!

Joshua’s final words were: “Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth . . .” (Joshua 24: 14a) Walk in awesome reverence toward your God, and teach your children to do the same.

PRAY: “Oh Lord, help me to reject all earthly fear and place my fear and trust in You. I want to grow in Your wisdom and develop a closer daily walk with You. Amen.”