What is the meaning of Proverbs 14:27? The fear of the LORD • Scripture describes this fear as reverent awe that moves us to worshipful obedience. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7) and “the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). • It is not terror that drives us away but reverence that draws us near, much like children who honor a loving Father yet take His words seriously (Psalm 103:13). • Such fear produces a clean heart and steady walk; “Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble” (Proverbs 28:14). Is a fountain of life • Solomon reaches for the most refreshing picture imaginable: a spring that never runs dry. Proverbs 13:14 echoes, “The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning one from the snares of death.” • God Himself is called “the fountain of life” (Psalm 36:9) and “the living water” His people foolishly forsook (Jeremiah 2:13). • Jesus fulfills the image: “Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst… a fount of water springing up to eternal life” (John 4:14). • Practically, fearing the Lord keeps heart, mind, and body vibrant—protecting marriages, stewarding finances wisely, cultivating integrity. Life flourishes wherever He is honored. Turning a man from the snares of death • Sin sets traps that look harmless until they clamp shut (James 1:14-15). The fear of the Lord shines a spotlight on those hidden snares. • “Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler” (Psalm 91:3). Obedience reroutes us before the jaws close. • Eternal stakes are in view: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). • Every daily choice to honor God—speaking truth rather than lies, forgiving instead of retaliating—sidesteps a snare that would choke joy and, ultimately, lives. summary Reverent awe of the Lord anchors us, opens an endless spring of spiritual vitality, and steers us clear of destruction. Proverbs 14:27 invites us to live every moment conscious of His majesty, drink deeply of His life-giving presence, and walk safely past every trap that would rob us of the abundant and eternal life He intends. |
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