What other scriptures emphasize the importance of fearing the LORD? A Stronghold of Confidence — Proverbs 14:26 “He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge.” • The verse pictures holy fear as a fortress: it gives the believer inward assurance and spreads protective cover over the next generation. • This isn’t dread that drives us away; it’s reverent awe that draws us under His wings. Why Fear? A Foundation, Not a Foe • Scripture treats the fear of the LORD as the bedrock of all spiritual health—never an optional extra. • It blends worship, trust, submission, and love into one posture of the heart. Old Testament Echoes of Holy Fear • 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.” • Proverbs 19:23 — “The fear of the LORD leads to life, that one may rest content, untouched by evil.” • Deuteronomy 10:12-13 — “What does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God… for your own good?” • Deuteronomy 6:1-2 — Generations are to fear Him “all the days of your lives” for long life in the land. • Psalm 34:7, 9 — “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him… those who fear Him lack nothing.” • Psalm 111:10 — “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who persevere in His precepts gain rich understanding.” • Psalm 128:1-4 — Blessing on every aspect of family life “all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways!” • Isaiah 33:6 — “The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.” • Malachi 3:16-17 — A “book of remembrance” is written for those who fear His name. New Testament Continuity • Luke 1:50 — “His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.” • Luke 12:4-5 — Jesus redirects fear toward God alone, the One with ultimate authority. • Acts 9:31 — The early churches “walking in the fear of the Lord… multiplied.” • 2 Corinthians 7:1 — “Perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” • Hebrews 12:28-29 — “We worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” • Revelation 14:7 — “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come.” Blessings Tied to Holy Fear • Wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; Psalm 111:10) • Length of days and life satisfaction (Proverbs 10:27; 19:23) • Protection and deliverance (Psalm 34:7; Proverbs 14:26) • Divine friendship and revelation (Psalm 25:12-14) • Riches, honor, and life (Proverbs 22:4) • Mercy that stretches across generations (Luke 1:50) • Church growth and Spirit-given comfort (Acts 9:31) Living It Out Today • Cultivate awe by lingering over God’s majesty in Scripture and creation. • Let His commandments set the boundaries of daily decisions—obedience feeds reverence. • Speak often of His works (Malachi 3:16); holy fear deepens in shared testimony. • Teach the next generation: Proverbs 14:26 ties our reverence directly to their refuge. • Worship with gratitude and seriousness, knowing we approach “a consuming fire” who also calls us His children. |
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