(Psa 34:11) Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
The fear of the Lord. What is it? Some say it means deep reverence and respect for God that produces piety in a person’s life. So, they exchange the word “reverence” for the word “fear.” Others contend that it means just as it sounds. That we are to have a deep fear or dread of God that will keep us from sin. One sounds more positive and one more negative. Which one is right? From the original language it appears both are! (See Pro 19:23; Pro 8:13).
We know that many in our world today are not walking in the fear of the Lord (Psa 36:1). They go about their wicked ways like there is no God or Day of Judgment coming. But those of us who love the Lord will walk in the fear of God and receive these benefits:
(Pro 1:7) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge . . .
(Pro 9:10) "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom . . .
(Pro 10:27) The fear of the LORD prolongs days . . .
(Pro 14:26-27) In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.
(Pro 22:4) By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life.
The fear of the Lord will keep us from sin. (Job 1:1) There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. But let’s keep in mind that walking in the fear of God is not just God potentially hurting us, but us potentially hurting God. This makes our relationship with God personal and intimate. Who would want to hurt their best friend or lover?
And when you fear the Lord you don’t have to fear man. (Mat 10:28) "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
There are still some of us left in the world who fear God. And we have a message to share with those who scorn God’s authority . . . saying with a loud voice, "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him . . . (Rev 14:7)
Louie
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