The Fear of the Lord

Proverbs 9:10

We continue our reading in the book of Proverbs as we look at Proverbs chapter nine this week. Once again, we come across one of the most dominant themes in Proverbs: the fear of the LORD. This phrase is one of those greatly misunderstood phrases within the Bible, because often when we think of fear, we think of the kind of terror that makes you run away or fight, “that heart-pounding, what in the world is happening, how can I get myself out of this thing?”

What does it mean to fear God? Here are some examples:

Just before laying hands on Isaac, the angel of the Lord said to Abraham, "Now I know that you fear God, and that you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." (Gen. 22:12) In other words, God said to him, "You have considered obedience to God more important than your own sense of security and well-being."

When Joseph wanted to convince his brothers that he was telling the truth and that they should leave one of their brothers behind, he reassured them by saying, "Do this, and you will live. I fear God." (Gen. 42:18) In other words, "You can trust me, for I know that I will have to give an account to God."

Jethro (Moses' father-in-law) would later advise him, "Choose able, God-fearing men from among all the people, men of integrity, enemies of greed." (Ex. 18:21)

As one writer noted, “To fear God is to be honest and upright, because you know that God is watching you, even if there is no one else. It is believing that there is a God, and that he is very interested in what you are doing. When we fear God, God's presence and plans weigh on us more than the world, the flesh and the devil.” An old Scottish writer said, “To fear the Lord is so to know him that you would do anything rather than lose his smile upon your life.”

The fear of the LORD is a wonderful and beautiful thing. For instance, Proverbs talks about the fear of the LORD on many occasions. Proverbs 1:7 says the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Proverbs 3:7 says the fear of the LORD diminishes your trust in your independent wisdom. Chapter 8 says the fear of the LORD crushes pride and arrogance. Proverbs 9:10 says the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Chapter 14 says the fear of the LORD produces confidence and courage along with a place to hide, a refuge. Chapter 15 says the fear of the LORD is way more valuable than wealth and affluence. Chapter 16 says it's the fear of the LORD that makes you turn from evil. Chapter 19 says where the fear of the LORD is, there is true rest and satisfaction of heart. Chapter 22 says the fear of the LORD brings life and blessing and reward.

Join us this week as we understand biblically what it means to “fear the LORD” from Proverbs 9:10. And may the smile of the Lord be upon you.

Grace to you,

Pastor Wayne