How does Psalm 111:10 define "the fear of the LORD" in our lives? The Foundation: Psalm 111:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever.” • The verse links “fear of the LORD” with both the start of wisdom and the ongoing pursuit of understanding. • Wisdom begins, grows, and is sustained by reverent awe, shown through obedience to God’s commands. What “Fear of the LORD” Means • Reverent Awe – Standing in wonder at God’s holiness (Isaiah 6:1-5). – Recognising His absolute authority (Deuteronomy 10:17). • Humble Submission – Bowing the will to His lordship (James 4:7). – A posture of yielded heart that says, “Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9). • Loving Obedience – “All who follow His precepts” points to action, not mere feeling (John 14:15). – Obedience proves that our awe is genuine (1 John 2:3-5). • Moral Hatred of Evil – “To fear the LORD is to hate evil” (Proverbs 8:13). – True fear prompts separation from sin and attraction to holiness. Practical Outworking in Daily Life 1. Decisions • Seek His wisdom first (James 1:5). • Filter choices through Scripture rather than culture. 2. Speech • Speak words that honor God’s character (Ephesians 4:29). • Avoid frivolous, irreverent talk about holy things. 3. Relationships • Treat people as image-bearers (Genesis 1:27; Matthew 22:37-39). • Forgive quickly, remembering God’s mercy toward you (Colossians 3:13). 4. Worship • Approach gathered worship with expectancy, not routine (Hebrews 12:28-29). • Let personal devotion flow into public praise. Blessings that Flow from Godly Fear • Beginning of Wisdom – Sets the trajectory for every area of life (Proverbs 1:7; Job 28:28). • Ongoing Insight – “Gain rich understanding” points to deeper discernment as obedience continues (Psalm 25:14). • Steadfast Praise – A worshipful life naturally overflows when God is rightly feared (Psalm 112:1). • Divine Favor – “The LORD delights in those who fear Him” (Psalm 147:11). – His eyes remain on them for protection and provision (Psalm 33:18-19). Cultivating Holy Fear • Daily Word Intake – Let Scripture reveal God’s majesty each morning (Psalm 119:38). • Intentional Reflection – Meditate on His works and character (Psalm 111:2-4). • Immediate Obedience – Act promptly on what the Spirit shows through the Word (Luke 6:46-48). • Community Reinforcement – Surround yourself with believers who share this reverence (Acts 2:42-43). Psalm 111:10 moves “fear of the LORD” from a concept to a lifestyle: reverent awe that launches wisdom, fuels obedience, deepens understanding, and echoes praise that endures forever. |
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