The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)
Have you ever feared something in your life? I know I have and compiling a list might be overwhelming. So, what is fear? It can be an emotion, or an action based on believing something or someone may be dangerous and/or cause pain. From my past experiences, I might add – it can raise your anxiety level because of what you feel is to come. Fear can also be a chance to respond by decelerating or igniting even more fear.
What do you think of when the word fear is spoken? What if I said fear could be a healthy thing?
The Bible often references fear word regarding the Lord.
Job 28:28b “. . .The fear of the Lord-that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”
Psalm 111:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13 “. . .Fear God and keep His commandments for this is the duty of all mankind.”
I have struggled with “Fear of the Lord” throughout my lifetime especially when I reflect on Proverbs 1:7 which clearly states, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”. But as I have pressed into His Word and gained a greater appreciation for Scripture, I have come to realize fear of the Lord begins with accepting the fact that God is the only one who knows everything.
Fearing the Lord displays a healthy relationship with God. It is an action where we surrender to His authority not because we are forced to do so, but because we know He knows best. He expects us to keep an open mind to His advice and embrace His reproof. The Father is very clear about the outcome of those who follow Him and those who do not.
Romans 11:19-22 ESV Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you too will be cut off.
This verse gives us the knowledge of God’s position on following Him. He wants us to seek His wisdom and love His ways by being a lifetime learner. As a helpmate, He provided His very words, the Bible, to give us Godly counsel and instructions yet much like our salvation, the choice is ours.
We must believe Scripture is:
- A living document assisting in engaging with God
- A source of inspiration to change our perspective and actions
- A guide to molding and shaping our lives to do His will
- A window to knowing God’s character
- Transformational, miraculous, powerful, set apart from all other text
- A love story with us
Elevating biblical text necessitates work and a commitment to go BEYOND!
Fear-do you value God enough to understand the fear of the Lord? How deep is your awe and submission to the Father? Does His Word play a significant role in your life? To what lengths are you willing to go to make Scripture engagement a life-changing event in your life?
Chapter two of Beyond Scriptural Typography is entitled Exceeding Reasons. We each must find the exceeding reasons to embrace the fear of the Lord and why we would seek Biblical knowledge. The personal choice does come with the wisdom that “obtaining life-changing engagement skills with God’s Word is a refining process with a time factor attached.”
How will you spend your days ahead?
Refining [Spiritual Growth] 