Divine Revelations

The Fear of the Lord: A Path to Wisdom and Righteousness

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The phrase “fear of the Lord” appears throughout the Bible, often associated with wisdom, righteousness, and a deep understanding of God. However, this fear is not the same as the fear we experience in everyday life. In this blog, we will explore what the fear of the Lord is and is not, its impact on God’s children, and its effects on the righteous and the wicked.

What is the Fear of the Lord?

The fear of the Lord is not a terror or dread of punishment, but rather a profound respect, awe, and reverence for God’s holiness, power, and majesty. It is an understanding of God’s transcendence and our own finitude. This fear is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10), leading to a deeper relationship with God and a life lived in accordance with His will.

What the Fear of the Lord is Not

  1. Fear of Punishment: Unlike worldly fear, the fear of the Lord is not motivated by a desire to avoid punishment. Instead, it is a response to God’s holiness and love.
  2. Terror or Dread: The fear of the Lord does not involve trembling in terror or being overcome with dread. Rather, it is a calm, respectful awe that leads to trust and obedience.
  3. Self-Centeredness: Unlike human fears, the fear of the Lord is not self-centered. It focuses on God’s glory and our response to Him, not on our own well-being.

What the Fear of the Lord Does for God’s Children

  1. Leads to Wisdom: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10). It opens our hearts and minds to understanding God’s will and His ways.
  2. Promotes Obedience: A healthy fear of the Lord leads to obedience, not out of coercion, but out of love and respect (Deuteronomy 6:2, 10:12-13).
  3. Brings Blessing: Those who fear the Lord are blessed (Psalm 128:1-4, Proverbs 14:26-27). This blessing is not merely material, but also spiritual, leading to a deeper relationship with God.
  4. Protects from Evil: The fear of the Lord protects from evil (Proverbs 14:27, 16:6). It helps us discern right from wrong and avoid sin.

How the Fear of the Lord Affects the Righteous

  1. Draws Them Closer to God: The fear of the Lord leads the righteous to seek God more deeply, fostering a closer relationship with Him.
  2. Motivates Them to Holiness: It motivates them to live holy lives, pleasing to God (Leviticus 11:44, 19:2, 20:7-8, 26:1-13).
  3. Gives Them Confidence: The fear of the Lord gives the righteous confidence in God’s protection and provision (Psalm 33:18, 115:11, 147:11).

How the Fear of the Lord Affects the Wicked

  1. Convicts Them of Sin: The fear of the Lord can convict the wicked of their sin, leading them to repentance (Isaiah 55:6-7, Acts 3:19).
  2. Deterrent to Evil: It serves as a deterrent to evil, warning the wicked of the consequences of their actions (Proverbs 8:13, 16:6).
  3. Prepares Them for Judgment: For those who refuse to repent, the fear of the Lord prepares them for judgment (Revelation 6:15-17).

Conclusion

The fear of the Lord is a profound and transformative experience that leads to wisdom, righteousness, and a deeper relationship with God. It affects the righteous by drawing them closer to God and motivating them to holiness, while it convicts the wicked of their sin and prepares them for judgment. Let us, therefore, cultivate this fear in our lives, seeking to know God more deeply and live according to His will.

In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray:

Dear Lord, help us to fear You in the right way, with awe and reverence, love and trust. Give us the wisdom to understand Your will and the strength to live according to it. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 🙏 ❤️🌹

Sources

  1. BibleGateway. (2021). Bible Gateway. Retrieved from <https://www.biblegateway.com/>
  2. The Pulpit Commentary. (1890). Proverbs. Retrieved from <https://biblehub.com/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs.htm>
  3. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary. (1997). Proverbs. Retrieved from <https://www.biblehub.com/commentaries/mhc/proverbs.htm>
  4. MacArthur, J. (2006). The MacArthur Study Bible: New King James Version. Thomas Nelson.
  5. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible Exposition Commentary. Victor Books.

In Truth and Mercy,

To God be the Glory in all things,

T

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