Fear of the Lord

“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” (Proverbs 1:7)

“All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech.” (Proverbs 8:13)

“Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a refuge for their children. Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.” (Proverbs 14: 26- 27)

 “The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.” (Psalm 25:14)

“That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

“Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.” (Proverbs 15:33)

“Fear of the Lord lengthens one’s life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.” (Proverbs 10:27)

“Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.” (Proverbs 19:23)

“‘Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.’” (Matthew 10:28)

“True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and a long life.” (Proverbs 22:4)

Do you have a proper, respectful fear of the Almighty? If we truly feared Him the way we should, that would be enough of a deterrent from sin altogether! If God says not to do something, how dare we do it? How dare we disobey the Almighty! We are told to not take the Lord's name in vain and yet we exclaim His name in frustration or surprise or (oddly enough) happiness. Where’s the fear of the Lord in that? We are told to flee sexual immorality and to have nothing to do with sexual sin and yet we seek it out! Where’s the fear of the Lord in that? We are told not to gossip, spread rumors, or lie and yet sometimes we can’t wait for the next juicy rumor or story—we can’t wait to spread it ourselves! Where’s the fear of the Lord in that? We are told to have no other gods before the Lord Almighty and yet we find ourselves worshipping at the throne of social media and celebrity and self and entertainment. Where’s the fear of the Lord in that? We are told to not use foul and abusive language, that everything we say should be good and helpful, yet we curse like the world and tear people down with our words. Where is the fear of the Lord in that? Have you lost some of your fear of the Lord? Work to regain a fear of the Lord that is stronger than your sinful desires.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.