What other Proverbs emphasize the importance of fearing the Lord? Proverbs 14:16—Launching Point “A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.” Solomon’s contrast is clear: wisdom expresses itself in a healthy, reverent fear of God, which in turn produces moral caution. The rest of Proverbs keeps circling back to that same theme. Other Proverbs That Spotlight the Fear of the Lord • Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” • Proverbs 1:29 – “For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD.” • Proverbs 2:5 – “Then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God.” • Proverbs 3:7 – “Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.” • Proverbs 8:13 – “To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.” • Proverbs 9:10 – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” • Proverbs 10:27 – “The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be cut short.” • Proverbs 14:26 – “He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge.” • Proverbs 14:27 – “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.” • Proverbs 15:16 – “Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.” • Proverbs 15:33 – “The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” • Proverbs 16:6 – “Through loving devotion and faithfulness sin is atoned for, and through the fear of the LORD a man turns away from evil.” • Proverbs 19:23 – “The fear of the LORD leads to life, that one may rest content, without visitation by trouble.” • Proverbs 22:4 – “The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD is wealth and honor and life.” • Proverbs 23:17 – “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD.” • Proverbs 24:21 – “My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious.” • Proverbs 28:14 – “Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.” Patterns and Promises We Notice • Foundation for Wisdom: 1:7; 9:10; 15:33 show that every other form of insight grows out of fearing God first. • Guardrail Against Evil: 3:7; 8:13; 14:16; 16:6 link divine reverence with turning away from sin’s traps. • Pathway to Life: 10:27; 14:27; 19:23 promise longevity, vitality, and protection. • Provision and Contentment: 15:16; 22:4 highlight how godly fear outshines material riches. • Security for Families and Societies: 14:26; 24:21 point to wide-ranging blessing that flows from households and nations that revere the Lord. Take-Home Snapshot From the opening chapter to the book’s closing maxims, Proverbs keeps sounding the same note: fearing the Lord is not optional fine print—it is the first step, the daily safeguard, and the surest guarantee of a life that pleases God and overflows with His goodness. |
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