Topical Encyclopedia The "Fear of the Lord" is a foundational concept in the Bible, representing a profound reverence and awe for God, which is central to the life of faith. This fear is not merely an emotion but a deep-seated respect and acknowledgment of God's power, holiness, and authority. It is both the beginning of wisdom and a guiding principle for righteous living.Old Testament Understanding In the Old Testament, the fear of the Lord is frequently associated with wisdom and knowledge. Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." This verse underscores the idea that true understanding and insight begin with a proper reverence for God. Similarly, Proverbs 9:10 affirms, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." The fear of the Lord is also linked to obedience and the avoidance of evil. In Ecclesiastes 12:13 , the Preacher concludes, "When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind." This fear motivates believers to live in accordance with God's laws and to shun sin. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the fear of the Lord continues to be an important theme, though it is often expressed in the context of the believer's relationship with Christ. Acts 9:31 describes the early church: "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, and it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord." The fear of the Lord in the New Testament is closely tied to the love and grace of God revealed through Jesus Christ. It is not a fear of punishment but a reverent awe that leads to worship and obedience. In 2 Corinthians 7:1 , Paul exhorts believers, "Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." Practical Implications The fear of the Lord has practical implications for daily living. It influences ethical behavior, decision-making, and interpersonal relationships. Believers are called to live in a manner that reflects their reverence for God, as seen in their pursuit of holiness and justice. Psalm 111:10 declares, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever." Moreover, the fear of the Lord provides a sense of security and confidence. Proverbs 14:26 states, "He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge." This fear assures believers of God's protection and guidance, fostering a trust that transcends earthly circumstances. Conclusion The fear of the Lord is a multifaceted concept that encompasses reverence, awe, and obedience. It is the foundation of wisdom and the catalyst for a life that honors God. Through both the Old and New Testaments, the fear of the Lord is presented as essential for understanding, righteous living, and spiritual growth. Topical Bible Verses Psalm 111:10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endures for ever. Topicalbible.org Job 28:28 Psalm 25:14 Psalm 112:1 Luke 1:50 Psalm 33:8 Proverbs 8:13 Ecclesiastes 12:13 Proverbs 14:27 Deuteronomy 17:19 Greek 5401. phobos -- panic flight, fear, the causing of fear, terror ... Fear (5401 ) is commonly used in Scripture -- sometimes positively (in relation to God) but more often negatively of the Lord (His will). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5401.htm - 7k 1169. deilos -- cowardly, fearful Library Wisdom and the Fear of the Lord How the Fear of the Lord is Our Cross. The Fellowship of those who Fear the Lord. --Malachi iii. 16-18 ... Ye that Fear the Lord June 14. "The Secret of the Lord is with them that Fear Him" (Ps. ... That the Continual Fear of God must be Bestowed on us by the Lord. They Feared the Lord, and Served their Own Gods. 2 Kings 17:33. But the virgin of the Lord Advanced in Age and in virtues... "That those Grievously Sin who Despise or Neglect God's Gracious ... First, I am to Consider what the Keeping of the Heart Supposes and ... Resources What does it mean to have the fear of God? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I overcome the fear of death? How can I stop being scared of dying? | GotQuestions.org Is there any reason to fear going into a cemetery / graveyard? | GotQuestions.org Fear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fear of God: A Motive of Obedience Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: David Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Job, According to the Testimony of Satan Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Jonah, During the Storm Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Noah, in Preparing the Ark Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: The Jews, in Obeying the Voice of the Lord Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: The Women at the Grave Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Adam and Eve Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Demons Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Judas Fear of God: Guilty Fear: The Guards at Jesus' Tomb Fear of God: Hezekiah, in his Treatment of the Prophet Micah, Who Prophesied Harm Against Jerusalem Fear of God: Jacob, in the Vision of the Ladder, and the Covenant of God Fear of God: Obadiah, in Sheltering One-Hundred Prophets Against the Wrath of Jezebel Fear of God: Phinehas, in Turning Away the Anger of God at the Time of the Plague Fear of God: The Egyptians, at the Time of the Plague of Thunder and Hail and Fire Fear of God: The Midwives of Egypt, in Refusing to Take the Lives of the Hebrew Children Fear of God: The Nine and One-Half Tribes of Israel West of the Jordan River Godly Fear: A Characteristic of Saints Godly Fear: A Fountain of Life Godly Fear: A Treasure to Saints Godly Fear: Filial and Reverential Godly Fear: God is the Author of Godly Fear: God is the Object of Godly Fear: Motives to Judgments of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Forgiveness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Goodness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Greatness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Holiness of God Godly Fear: Motives to Wondrous Works of God Godly Fear: Necessary to Avoiding of Sin Godly Fear: Necessary to Impartial Administration of Justice Godly Fear: Necessary to Perfecting Holiness Godly Fear: Necessary to Righteous Government Godly Fear: Necessary to The Service of God Godly Fear: Necessary to The Worship of God Godly Fear: Searching the Scriptures Gives the Understanding of Godly Fear: should Accompany the Joy of Saints Godly Fear: should be Constantly Maintained Godly Fear: should be Exhibited in Giving a Reason for Our Hope Godly Fear: should be Exhibited in Our Callings Godly Fear: should be Prayed For Godly Fear: should be Taught to Others Godly Fear: The Wicked Destitute of Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Accepted of God Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Blessed Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Pitied by God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Afford Pleasure to God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Confide in God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Converse Together of Holy Things Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Days of, Prolonged Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Depart from Evil Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Desires of, Fulfilled by God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Receive Mercy from God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: should not Fear Man Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Future Punishment Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Idols Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Judgments Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Man Unholy Fear is Described as Consuming Unholy Fear is Described as Overwhelming Unholy Fear: A Characteristic of the Wicked Unholy Fear: A Guilty Conscience Leads To Unholy Fear: Adonijah's Guests Unholy Fear: Exhortations Against Unholy Fear: Saints Delivered From Unholy Fear: Saints Sometimes Tempted To Unholy Fear: Seizes the Wicked Unholy Fear: Shall be Realised Unholy Fear: Surprises the Hypocrite Unholy Fear: The Wicked Judicially Filled With Unholy Fear: Trust in God, a Preservative From Related Terms |
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