Words about the WORD - Neil Bennett - First Baptist Church
The Fear of the Lord
(Proverbs 1:7) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
(Proverbs 9:10) “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
These verses from God’s Word tell us quite plainly that the key to wisdom and knowledge is the fear of the Lord. Biblical wisdom can be defined as the ability to see life from God’s perspective. This wisdom which comes from God enables us to navigate the perils and problems of life by relying on God’s understanding and not our own! The wonderful thing about God’s wisdom is that it is available for the asking! “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5, ESV)
Before we ask God for wisdom, however, we must learn to approach him in worshipful reverence. Remember: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” The person who seeks wisdom must come to God with a holy fear, acknowledging Him for who He is. So what does it mean to fear the Lord? The book of Proverbs tells us. Consider these priceless truths from the book of Proverbs about what it means to fear the Lord.
1. THE FEAR OF THE LORD DEMANDS REPENTANCE. Proverbs 3:7 states, “Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.” We must learn to say, “Lord, I have messed up. I’m a sinner! I’ve taken many wrong turns! I need your help!”
2. THE FEAR OF THE LORD MEANS HATRED OF EVIL. Proverbs 8:13 declares, “To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” We must learn to pray, “Lord help me hate my sin!”
3. THE FEAR OF THE LORD BRINGS CONFIDENCE. Proverbs 14:26 says, “He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.” We can cry to God and say, “Lord, help me trust in You as my ultimate security. You are my fortress!”
4. THE FEAR OF THE LORD BRINGS ABUNDANT LIFE. According to Proverbs 14:27, “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.” The Lord is the fountain and source of real and abundant life. We must learn to say, “Lord, help me remember that real life is found in you!”
5. THE FEAR OF THE LORD MEANS HUMILITY. Proverbs 15:33 states: “The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” We must come before God and pray, “Lord, keep me humble; help me know that I need you!”
6. THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS A TREASURE BEYOND PRICE. Proverbs 15:16 reminds us, “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, Than great treasure with trouble.” If you know Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you know that a relationship with Him is the most valuable thing in all the world. So we can humbly pray, “Lord, you are all I really need. Knowing you is my treasure!”
7. THE FEAR OF THE LORD BRINGS TRUE SATISFACTION. Proverbs 19:23 declares, “The fear of the Lord leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.” So we can delight in the Lord as we pray, “Lord, You give true satisfaction. Let me want nothing more than you!”
8. THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS CONTINUAL. Proverbs 23:17 exhorts us, “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.” May the Lord teach us to ALWAYS be zealous for Him. We must learn to come to God and say, “Every day, Lord, let me live for you!”
So when we combine all these aspects of the fear of the Lord together, we see that God’s word teaches us that the fear of the Lord is a continual, humble, repentant submission to the Lord that brings hatred of evil, strong confidence, abundant life, and satisfaction and rewards beyond all earthly treasures. Wow! What Christian would not want those blessings in his life?
Remember the words of Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Don’t be a fool! A fool thinks he doesn’t need help and that he has all the answers! To fear the Lord means that we acknowledge that we do need help, and we don’t have all the answers. We need the Lord’s help to navigate life, so we must approach him in holy fear. Ask the Lord to teach you to live in the fear of Him so that we may walk in his wisdom and give glory to his Name!
