Proverbs 14 ~ The Fear of the Lord

Proverbs 14:26-27
He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress,
and for his children it will be a refuge.
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,
turning a man from the snares of death.

"Fear of the Lord. The word "fear" in the phrase "fear of the Lord" comes from the Hebrew word YIRAH (transliterated), and it means "to be terrified" (Jonah 1:10), "to be awe" (1 Kings 3:28), and "to have respect" (Lev. 19:3). The "fear of the Lord" is the reverence one would pay to a king because he is the majesty. But if one has offended the king and punishment is coming, that fear in the Hebrew is YARE. YARE is used in the phrase "fear the Lord" 31 times in the Old Testament. Therefore, when one sins, that person might fear God's discipline (Deut. 10:20). (www.neverthirsty.org).

The fear of the Lord should be a trait that we desire to develop in our lives, one that is highly sought after. We can develop a fear of the Lord through studying the Word, asking the Lord for help, and putting ourselves aside so that He may develop this trait in us!

The benefits of possessing the fear of the Lord are laid out all through Scripture. With the fear of the Lord...
* We have the beginning of wisdom and have good understanding. (Ps 111:10; Prov 9:10)
* We hate evil. (Proverbs 8:13)
* We add length to our lives. (Proverbs 10:27)
* We have a secure fortress and a fountain of life. (Proverbs 14:26-27)
* We have wisdom. (Proverbs 15:33)
* We avoid evil. (Proverbs 16:6)
* We will have a satisfying life, spared from much evil. (Proverbs 19:23)
* We will have wealth and honor and life. (Proverbs 22:4)
* We will be praised. (Proverbs 31:30)

On the other hand, all of this means that WITHOUT the fear of the Lord...
* We have no wisdom or understanding.
* We love evil.
* Our lives are shortened.
* We are driven towards evil.
* We do not know the love of God that gives us confidence of salvation.
* Our life is dissatisfying.
* We have no life in Him.

Lord, reveal yourself to me through your Word. Help me to decrease, so that you may increase in my life.