Proverbs 9 ~ Fear? Really?

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10

Some see God as a generous grandfatherly sort. Others see Him as One Who was powerful throughout Bible history, but Who now is hoping, begging, that we will follow Him; a "gentleman" weakened by His wishing that we will do everything correctly so that we can discover His elusive Will and try to stay in it.

The Reformers understood the Bible to teach that God is the Master of the Universe, both then and now. He is not only gentle and generous, but also the strong Creator Who, at His Own will, determines all that was, is and will be. When we allow for His sovereignty as well as His gentleness, we see that He is the great and terrible loving Father.

C. S. Lewis depicts Aslan, a symbol of Jesus, as being both terrible and good. In Matthew 10 Jesus gives instructions to the Twelve before sending them out. Beginning in verse 28 He reveals Himself saying, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One Who can destroy both soul and body in hell." He immediately follows with words of grace and comfort--words that don't seem to follow, but are designed to show the totality of God's character. "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

Fearing God, knowing the Holy One in the fullness of His character—both good and terrible—brings understanding, the knowledge upon which wisdom is built.

"Amazing Grace: 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear the hour I first believed."