What does "fear of the LORD" mean in the context of Proverbs 16:6? Verse in Focus Proverbs 16:6: “By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.” Defining “Fear of the LORD” • A worshipful awe that recognizes God’s holiness, power, and authority. • A sober awareness that He judges sin and cannot be mocked (Hebrews 12:28–29). • A loving desire not to offend or grieve Him, flowing from gratitude for His steadfast love (Psalm 130:3–4). • A settled conviction that His words are true, binding, and life-giving (Psalm 19:9). Key Dimensions of Godly Fear • Reverence: bowing before His majesty (Psalm 95:6). • Obedience: gladly doing what He commands (Deuteronomy 10:12–13). • Hatred of evil: “To fear the LORD is to hate evil” (Proverbs 8:13). • Humility: acknowledging dependence on His mercy (Isaiah 66:2). • Trust: fearing Him crushes every lesser fear (Psalm 112:1, 7). Connection to Turning from Evil • Fear creates a spiritual “alarm system.” We recoil from sin because we grasp its offense against God (Exodus 20:20). • It fuels repentance, driving us toward righteousness instead of rationalizing wrongdoing (2 Corinthians 7:1). • It keeps conscience tender; we choose the narrow path even when no one else is watching (Proverbs 14:27). • It magnifies God’s nearness—His watchful eye becomes a joyous safeguard, not a distant threat (Psalm 34:11–14). How Proverbs 16:6 Resonates with the Rest of Proverbs • Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…”—the starting point for wise living. • Proverbs 9:10: It deepens understanding, shaping every decision. • Proverbs 22:4: It brings reward—“By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life.” • In Proverbs 16:6, fear specifically acts as the moral pivot that turns a person away from evil conduct. Thread Through the Whole Bible • Job 28:28—wisdom is equated with fearing God and departing from evil. • Psalm 111:10—fear launches genuine wisdom. • Acts 9:31—the early church “walked in the fear of the Lord,” enjoying spiritual vitality. • Revelation 14:7—final angelic call: “Fear God and give Him glory.” Across every era, godly fear anchors holiness and steers believers away from sin. Practical Takeaways for Daily Living • Cultivate awe: read Scripture daily to keep God’s greatness before your eyes. • Guard the heart: quickly confess sin; lingering guilt dulls holy fear. • Choose companions who honor the Lord; shared reverence reinforces righteous choices (Proverbs 13:20). • Speak of God’s deeds; praise strengthens fear-filled worship (Psalm 145:11). • Remember accountability: “each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). • Rest in grace: fear and love meet perfectly at the cross where mercy and truth have atoned for iniquity (Proverbs 16:6a; Psalm 85:10). |
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