The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…
Proverbs 1:7a (NASB1995)
Today’s scripture addresses “the fear of the LORD,“ which is misunderstood by those reading it for the first time. The fear spoken of is not being afraid or terrified; instead, it comes from the Hebrew word yir’âh, meaning to have reverence. This reminds me of the relationship between a child and their parent(s); one based on love from both parties, and reverence from the child for their parent(s). This is the relationship we are to seek with Father God.
The Bible commentator John Gill says that the fear in this verse is filial fear; which refers to punishment. There is another fear described by Albert Barnes as “the fear of the finite in the presence of the Infinite, of the sinful in the presence of the Holy.” This is fiducial fear stemming from the knowledge of God’s love and grace rather than from the fear of punishment or judgment.
Dear Reader, knowledge must have a foundation to rest on, which for the child of God is our fear of Him. It is our reverence (fear) for God and knowledge of His love for us that brings our heart and mind into obedience to Him. May we draw close to our Father in reverence today.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Devotional Treasures
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