The word “fear” is generally associated with dangerous or panic situations. As a result, we sometimes have a difficult time understanding what it means to fear the Lord. It is not what we sometimes feel it sounds like.
Text: Proverbs 8: 12-19
I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty
inventions.
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil
way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.
My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than
choice silver.
Simply put, the fear of the Lord is to hate those things that are evil (Prov. 8:13). It is not cowering in terror that God might strike. Instead, it is a sincere humility that comes from realizing our own sinfulness and unworthiness and knowing that we serve a mighty, holy, just and merciful God who loves us and redeemed us with the blood of his precious son Jesus Christ. The fear of the Lord will take us to a place where we constantly hunger and thirst for righteousness that pleases our heavenly Father.
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The Bible promises that we will be blessed if we fear the Lord, detesting what is evil (pride, perverted speech, evil deeds) and clinging to that which is good (compassion, kindness, patience). The enemy is trying to numb our hearts to the purity that God desires for us; but when we fear the Lord we delight in God‘s commandments and our lives are strong. Boldness then wells up within us as we see things God's way. This glorifies His name.
The fear of the Lord isn't the same as avoiding evil but God wants those who fear him to avoid evil.
It's harder for people today to understand the fear of the Lord. God is a king with unlimited power to do whatever he wants. In biblical times the king had absolute power. He could have people tortured or killed on a whim. God isn't a tyrant but God is a king. There should be reverence in how we act with God. Anybody with sufficient wisdom should fear the consequences of sin. It's best to avoid sin because we love God. Otherwise if we avoid sin out of fear at least you're still avoiding sin.
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