What other scriptures emphasize the importance of fearing the LORD? Proverbs 31:30 – The Starting Point “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” Wisdom Literature: Fear as the Gateway to True Understanding • 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 14:26–27 – “He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.” • Proverbs 19:23 – “The fear of the LORD leads to life, that one may rest content, without visitation from harm.” • Proverbs 22:4 – “The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life.” • Job 28:28 – “‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” • Ecclesiastes 12:13 – “When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.” Songs of Reverence in the Psalms • Psalm 34:9 – “Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing.” • Psalm 111:10 – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding.” • Psalm 128:1 – “Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways!” • Psalm 25:14; 33:18; 103:11, 13; 115:13; 145:19 – each verse adds layers of promise: intimacy, protection, steadfast love, blessing, answered prayer. Foundational Commands in the Law • Deuteronomy 10:12 – “What does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” • Deuteronomy 10:20; 31:12–13 – fear is to be learned, practiced, and passed to the next generation. • Joshua 24:14 – “Now therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth.” • 1 Samuel 12:24 – “Above all, fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.” Prophetic Calls to Godly Fear • Isaiah 11:2-3 – Messiah Himself “will delight in the fear of the LORD.” • Isaiah 33:6 – “The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.” • Malachi 3:16 – a book of remembrance is written for those who fear His name. Continued Emphasis in the New Testament • Luke 1:50 – “His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.” • Acts 9:31 – the early church “walking in the fear of the Lord … increased in numbers.” • 2 Corinthians 7:1 – holiness perfected “in the fear of God.” • Philippians 2:12 – work out salvation “with fear and trembling.” • 1 Peter 1:17 – live “in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.” • Revelation 14:7 – final angelic cry: “Fear God and give Him glory.” Blessings Tied to Fearing the LORD • Wisdom and knowledge • Long life and contentment • Protection and refuge for one’s family • Riches, honor, and spiritual prosperity • God’s intimate counsel and covenant • Mercy stretching across generations • Growth and unity within the Church • Eternal reward and security Walking in Holy Reverence Today Scripture consistently links reverent fear with love, obedience, and blessing. Embracing this posture—honoring His majesty while trusting His promises—keeps hearts humble, worship vibrant, and lives aligned with the Lord who is worthy of praise. |
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