ABOUT FEARING GOD

1. What does the Book of Proverbs say about Fearing God?

a) The word used for 'fear' in the Book of Proverbs comes from the Hebrew word (Strong's Concordance #H3374) which means to morally reverence or revere. God wants man to take His words seriously and put them into practice. He deserves worship and respect as the Creator of all things and as the standard of perfect love who willing gave Jesus to die for our sins.

b) The world's definition of fear, however, is different than what is meant in Proverbs. This type of fear is an emotional response to a perceived threat or danger against our lives, possessions, loved ones, etc. It is not an emotion most people like to feel and is certainly NOT how God wants to be viewed or treated! In fact, the kind of love and Godly reverence believers are to develop is the exact opposite of the fear that springs from human nature. The apostle John tells us that perfect love and fear CANNOT ultimately reside together!

i) 8. The one who does not love does not know God because God is love. 18. There is no fear in the love of God; rather, perfect love CASTS OUT fear because fear has torment. And the one who fears HAS NOT been made perfect in the love of God. (1 John 4:8, 18, Holy Bible in Its Original Order - A Faithful Version (HBFV)

c) 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. (Proverbs 1:7 NASB).

d) 20 Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. 22 'How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simpleminded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge? ' 25 You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered. 26 So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you - 28 'When they cry for help, I will not answer. Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me. 29 For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD.' (Proverbs 1:20, 22, 25-26, 28-29 NLT)

e) 4 Search for them (wisdom and understanding) as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. 5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:4-5 NLT)

f) 7 Don’t be conceited, sure of your own wisdom. Instead, trust and reverence the Lord, and turn your back on evil; 8 when you do that, then you will be given renewed health and vitality. (Proverbs 3:7-8 TLB)

g) 13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. (Proverbs 8:13).

h)10 For the reverence and fear of God are basic to all wisdom. Knowing God results in every other kind of understanding. (Proverbs 9:10 TLB)

i) 27 The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened. ( Proverbs 10:27)

j) 2 He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, but he who is devious in his ways despises Him. (Proverbs 14:2)

k) 26 In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, and his children will have refuge. 27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death. (Proverbs 14:26-27)

l) 16 Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and turmoil with it. (Proverbs 15:16)

m) 33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, and before honor comes humility. (Proverbs 15:33)

n) 23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil. (Proverbs 19:23)

o) 4 True humility and respect for the Lord lead a man to riches, honor, and long life. (Proverbs 22:4 TLB)

p) 17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but live in the fear of the LORD always. (Proverbs 23:17)

q) 21 My son, fear the LORD and the king; Do not associate with those who are given to change, 22 For their calamity will rise suddenly, and who knows the ruin that comes from both of them? (Proverbs 24:21-22)

r) 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. 31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. (Proverbs 31:30-31 NLT) 

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