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Fear . . .

2/4/2023

6 Comments

 
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The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, . . . (Proverbs 9:10a).

Yes, I know that the word “fear” in this sense is best translated as “awe” or “profound respect,” but I still think that the most basic meaning of fear has a place here.

As we grow up, we are taught to have a healthy respect for fire, electricity, cars, and other objects that could cause us harm if not approached appropriately. We aren’t to be afraid of them per se, but we are to respect their power and to fear what could possibly happen if not handled correctly. This is the beginning of wisdom in each of these areas. Only fools forget what each is capable of and throw caution to the wind.

Then how much more important is it to fear an ALL POWERFUL (omnipotent); ALL KNOWING (omniscient); and ALL PRESENT (omnipresent) God? Yes, we stand in wonder and awe at all that he has created, but we most definitely need to respect the power of who He is.

But the point of this verse is that the fear of the lord (that awe, wonder, respect of power) is the beginning of wisdom. Once we have placed God right where He should be, above all else, and accept his authority over everything, then we immediately gain wisdom in two areas.

First, we realize that all other fears disappear as Psalm 91 says.

. . .You will not fear the terror of night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
    nor the plague that destroys at midday. . . .

For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways; . . .


As well as the 365 reminders to “Fear not” that appear throughout the Bible (one for each day of the year).

Second, we will be able to grow in wisdom from the other people God has placed in our lives, as Proverbs 1:7-8 says:

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.


If we don’t accept God’s authority and direction, it is doubtful that we will accept the counsel of those he has placed in authority over us. Wisdom is not a lifting of the chin in pride and arrogance, but a bowing of the brow in submission and  profound awe.


6 Comments
Linda C
2/4/2023 06:50:46 am

It's always reassuring to be reminded about fear in the Psalms.

Reply
Jody
2/4/2023 07:10:44 pm

I love the Psalms.

Reply
Stephanie Johnson
2/4/2023 08:11:06 am

Very good, Jody!

Reply
Jody
2/4/2023 07:09:44 pm

Thanks, Stephanie.

Reply
Tamara
2/4/2023 09:35:52 am

Amen!!

Reply
Lynn Lutz
2/7/2023 02:43:55 pm

As always, loved this blog of yours too Jody! Thank you for making me dig deeper!💕

Reply



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    Author

    Jody Eileen Solinski spent her career teaching in the California public school system where she enjoyed helping young adults take their place in society. A native Californian, she enjoys the outdoors and so loves living in Northern California where she can enjoy the beauty of God’s creation up close.

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