The phrase, “the fear of the Lord,” occurs fourteen times in the book of Proverbs (1:7, 29; 2:5; 8:13; 9:10; 10:27; 14:26, 27; 15:16, 33; 16:6; 19:23; 22:4; 23:17). Fearing God is one of the great themes of the book. While terror at the prospect of God’s punishment is highlighted in the Bible (1 Sam. 11:7; 2 Kgs. 17:24-28; 1 Chr. 14:17; Mt. 10:28; Acts 5:1-11; 2 Cor. 5:10-11), “fear” in the book of Proverbs most often refers to respecting God through obedience to His statutes and principles.
Knowledge and wisdom are attained by fearing the Lord. The beginning of knowledge is to look to the Lord who is the source of truth (Prov. 1:7). Wisdom is the application of knowledge to the various situations of life. Wisdom includes morality, but also goes beyond right and wrong to knowing the best option in a list of several morally right choices. God gave Solomon an understanding heart, wisdom beyond measure (1 Kgs. 3:9-12; 4:29-32). Solomon is the chief author of the book of Proverbs (Prov. 10:1; 25:1); God-inspired wisdom was given to him and a few others that penned this book (30:1; 31:1). The fear of the Lord is key to the beginning of wisdom and continued instruction in wisdom (Prov. 9:10; 15:33). Having wisdom means one’s days will not be wasted in useless suffering for foolishness.
Fearing the Lord gives one strong confidence; the Lord guides and protects those who seek after Him, delivering them from the snares of death (Prov. 14:26-27). As Psalm 19:9-13 says:
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
Fearing the Lord involves hating evil (Prov. 8:13). We are called to align ourselves with our Lord and hate the arrogant ways of men that exalt themselves in opposition to Him (Psa. 31:6; 45:7; 97:10; 101:3; 119:104, 113, 128, 163; 139:19-22). One of the problems of our time is wickedness is not hated the way it should be. The fear of man overrules the fear of God in the hearts of many; however, we should put our trust in God, knowing that He is greater than any enemies that come our way (Prov. 29:25). God in His perfect holiness hates evil (Prov. 6:16-19). We should adopt His values.
Fearing God is the great lesson of our lives here on earth. As Solomon summarizes, “ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Ecc. 12:13-14).
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