Topical Bible: Godly Fear: Wisdom

◄ Godly Fear: Wisdom ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Godly fear, often synonymous with reverence and awe towards God, is a foundational concept in biblical teaching, closely linked with the pursuit of wisdom. The Bible presents godly fear as an essential attitude for those who seek to live a life pleasing to God, and it is frequently associated with the acquisition of wisdom.

Definition and Nature

Godly fear is not a paralyzing terror but a profound respect and reverence for the majesty, holiness, and authority of God. It acknowledges God's sovereignty and righteousness, leading believers to a posture of humility and obedience. This fear is rooted in an understanding of God's character and His rightful place as Creator and Judge.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently emphasizes the relationship between godly fear and wisdom. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" . This verse highlights that true wisdom begins with a proper reverence for God, recognizing His ultimate authority and aligning one's life accordingly.

Similarly, Proverbs 1:7 declares, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline" . Here, the fear of the Lord is presented as the starting point for acquiring knowledge, contrasting the wise with those who reject divine instruction.

Expressions of Godly Fear

Godly fear manifests in various ways in the life of a believer. It leads to a deep respect for God's Word, prompting individuals to seek His guidance and adhere to His commandments. Psalm 111:10 affirms, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!" . This verse underscores the connection between fearing God and living according to His statutes.

Moreover, godly fear fosters a lifestyle of worship and devotion. Hebrews 12:28-29 exhorts believers, "Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. For our God is a consuming fire" . This passage highlights the appropriate response to God's holiness and power, encouraging worship that is marked by reverence.

Godly Fear and Wisdom in Practice

The practical outworking of godly fear is evident in the lives of biblical figures who exemplified wisdom. King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, recognized the importance of fearing God. In Ecclesiastes 12:13, he concludes, "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind" . Solomon's acknowledgment of godly fear as central to human duty underscores its integral role in wise living.

Furthermore, the life of Job illustrates the relationship between godly fear and wisdom. Job 28:28 records, "And He said to man, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding'" . Job's unwavering reverence for God amidst suffering exemplifies the wisdom that flows from godly fear.

The Role of Godly Fear in the New Testament

In the New Testament, godly fear continues to be a vital aspect of the believer's life. The early church, described in Acts 9:31, "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers" , demonstrates how godly fear contributed to spiritual growth and community strength.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often emphasizes the importance of living in reverence to God. In Philippians 2:12-13, he writes, "Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now even more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose" . This passage highlights the believer's responsibility to live out their faith with a sense of reverence and dependence on God's enabling power.

Conclusion

Godly fear, as presented in the Bible, is a profound reverence for God that serves as the foundation for true wisdom. It is an essential attitude that shapes the believer's relationship with God, guiding them in understanding, obedience, and worship. Through godly fear, individuals gain insight into the divine will and align their lives with God's purposes, ultimately leading to a life marked by wisdom and spiritual maturity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 28:28
And to man he said, Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endures for ever.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence
... Godly Fear and its Goodly Consequence. ... "In the fear of the Lord ... In the Book of Proverbs
you meet with sentences of pithy wisdom, which to all appearance belong ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/godly fear and its goodly.htm

The Spirit of Whitsuntide.
... at least if we have true honour, gratitude, loyalty, reverence, and godly fear in
our ... and pray for the spirit of true charity, which alone is true wisdom. ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon iii the spirit of.htm

Our Attitude Toward his Sovereignty
... is the beginning of wisdom," would it not rather be strange if no mention at all
were made of "godly fear" in connection with the One who was wisdom incarnate! ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter ten our attitude toward.htm

Still Continues the Praise of "Wisdom. ...
... flood that shall sweep our writer from all reason's moorings; the play of a lightning
that shall blind man's wisdom to its own ... Fear is a godly sentiment, a ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter viii still continues the.htm

Turning-Points
... fear, not only fear of God's anger, but fear of God's ... One such godly motion, one
such pure inspiration of the ... go on and grow in strength and wisdom, and favour ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon viii turning-points.htm

How we Shall Make Use of Christ as the Truth, that we May Win to ...
... heart; even the spirit of wisdom and understanding ... of God, that we may tremble and
fear, and stand ... Christ, this glorious Bible, with reverence and godly fear. ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xviii how we shall.htm

Counter-Statements of Theodoret.
... the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding ...
was able to save Him from death, and was heard for His godly fear, though He ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/counter-statements of theodoret.htm

Of the Commissioners Hellebichus Commander of the Troops, and ...
... let us continue in the same state of godly fear, in order ... our portion of the world
is a godly man, a ... to have uttered another saying, full of wisdom, to this ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xvii of the commissioners.htm

The Fear which Terminates in the Second Death.
... fear of Lord is the beginning of wisdom""it disposes ... There is yet one other kind
of fear which leads ... followers""Yea, and all who will live godly in Christ ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xx the fear which.htm

Sanctification and Justification.
... most exalted aspect affects us, not with fear of punishment ... Godly men in the Old
and New Covenants frequently ... He alone is the Wisdom with absolute certainty to ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/iii sanctification and justification.htm