Compare Job 13:11 with Proverbs 1:7 on the fear of the Lord. Setting the Verses in Context • Job 13 finds Job answering his friends, insisting on speaking directly to God; he highlights God’s overwhelming greatness. • Proverbs 1 opens the book with father-to-son counsel, laying down a foundational principle for all wisdom literature. Reading the Texts • Job 13:11 – “Would His majesty not terrify you? Would dread of Him not fall upon you?” • Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” What Is “the Fear of the LORD”? • Awe in God’s transcendent greatness (Job 13:11) • Reverent submission that produces teachability (Proverbs 1:7) • A stance of worship that shuns evil (Proverbs 8:13; Job 1:1) • Both trembling before His holiness and trusting His goodness (Exodus 20:20; Psalm 34:8-11) Two Complementary Portraits 1. Job 13:11 – Fear as overwhelming MAJESTY – Emphasizes God’s sheer power and unapproachable glory. – Drives home human smallness: “terrify … dread.” 2. Proverbs 1:7 – Fear as foundational MIND-SET – Invites learners to start every pursuit with God at the center. – Presents fear not as paralyzing terror but as the first step toward wisdom. Together: • The Job text answers “Why should we take God seriously?”—because His majesty is inescapable. • The Proverbs text answers “Where do we start if we want to live wisely?”—with humble reverence. • Healthy fear begins with trembling awe and matures into daily obedience. Life Application • Let God’s greatness correct every casual thought of Him—He is not manageable. • Approach every decision, study, or conversation asking, “What honors the Lord?” • When conviction stings, remember that the same majestic God offers mercy through Christ (Isaiah 57:15; Romans 11:22). Cascading Benefits of Proper Fear • Wisdom and knowledge (Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 111:10) • Hatred of evil (Proverbs 8:13) • Length of life and strong confidence (Proverbs 10:27; 14:26) • Purified living (2 Corinthians 7:1) • Ongoing church growth and comfort (Acts 9:31) Supporting Scriptures • Isaiah 6:1-5 – Isaiah’s vision: terror leads to cleansing and commission. • Hebrews 12:28-29 – “Serve God acceptably with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” • Revelation 1:17-18 – John falls as dead, yet hears, “Do not be afraid.” Takeaway Summary The fear of the LORD is both trembling before His majesty (Job 13:11) and the doorway to every true insight (Proverbs 1:7). Hold these truths together: stand in awe, bow in obedience, and walk in wisdom. |
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