Fear of the Lord
In the book of Proverbs, numerous verses mention that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10, & 15:33). What does it mean to fear the Lord?
Does it mean that we should be afraid of God?
But didn’t John the Apostle mention that perfect love drives out fear (1 John 4:7–8)?
What does it mean to fear the Lord?
To fear the Lord is not just about knowing that God exists but also lives in the knowledge of God’s presence. Hebrews 11:6 says that we ought to believe that God exists but also believe that God rewards those who seek him. Just knowing that God exists won’t evoke any emotion in our hearts. However, seeking God would require that we believe God exists and also that he matters. The true fear of the Lord is knowing that God exists and also knowing that he matters.
Does God matter to you? If he does, you understand the fear of the Lord.
