How does Proverbs 14:27 define "the fear of the LORD"? Key Verse “ The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.” – Proverbs 14:27 What the Verse Says—Two Clear Images • Fountain of life • Deliverance from death’s traps What a “Fountain of Life” Conveys • Constant, reliable source—not a puddle that dries up (Jeremiah 2:13; John 4:14) • Refreshes, sustains, and revitalizes every area of life (Psalm 1:3) • Points to God Himself as the only spring that never runs dry (Psalm 36:9) What “Turning from the Snares of Death” Means • The fear of the LORD steers us away from sin’s deadly consequences (Romans 6:23) • Guards us from choices that entangle and destroy (Proverbs 13:14; 1 Timothy 6:9–10) • Acts as a moral compass, warning us before we step into ruin (Proverbs 4:14–15) Putting the Two Images Together • Positive: an overflowing supply of spiritual vitality • Negative: protection against everything that robs, traps, or kills Practical Implications • Cultivate awe-filled obedience—align actions with God’s Word (Deuteronomy 10:12–13) • Draw daily from the “fountain” through Scripture, prayer, and worship (Psalm 119:97) • Trust God’s warnings; they are safety rails, not restrictions (Proverbs 3:7–8) Related Passages That Echo the Definition • Proverbs 9:10 – fear of the LORD as the beginning of wisdom • Proverbs 19:23 – leads to life; one rests satisfied, untouched by harm • Psalm 111:10 – foundation for good understanding • Isaiah 33:6 – “the fear of the LORD is his treasure” Takeaway The fear of the LORD isn’t dread but joyful, reverent trust. It nourishes like a never-ending spring and shields like a vigilant guardrail, giving vibrant life while steering us clear of deadly pitfalls. |
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