And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandment and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good? Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. Yet the LORD set his heart in love on your fathers and chose their offspring after them, you above all peoples . . . Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn.1
What is it meant to fear the LORD? The bible states that it is the beginning of knowledge, yet fools despise wisdom and instruction.2 From experience we know that we are bent on evil; and the fear of the LORD helps us turn away from it.3 The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.4
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.5
Through Scripture one learns what pleases the LORD—to walk in his ways, to love him, to serve him with all that we are, and to obey his commands. Yet not to win his approval, for he had approved all those who believe in the finish work of his Son.6 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.7
By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil. When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.8 Hence, one has strong confidence, even his children will have a refuge.9
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.10 The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.11 My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise, for disaster will arise suddenly from them, and who knows the ruin that will come from them both?12
The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.13 Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble in it.14 Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day. Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.15 Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.16
The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.17
My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.18 AMEN!
Notes:
1. Deuteronomy 10:12-16
2. Proverbs 1:7
3. Proverbs 3:7
4. Proverbs 8:13
5. Proverbs 9:10
6. Ephesians 1:13-14
7. 2 Corinthians 5:17
8. Proverbs 16:6-7
9. Proverbs 14:26
10. Proverbs 14:27
11. Proverbs 19:23
12. Proverbs 24:21-22
13. Proverbs 15:33
14. Proverbs 15:16
15. Proverbs 23:17-18
16. Proverbs 28:14
17. Psalm 145:18-20
18. Psalm 145:21
