What is its meaning?
We can best derive the meaning of the phrase ‘fear of the Lord’ from the Scriptures themselves. Ps. 33:8 gives us a good working definition: “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him.”
So clearly, to fear the Lord is to revere him. It is similar to the word ‘awful’ which can mean ‘filled with awe’. So if we say that God is awful it can mean that he fills us with awe. In other words, we just gasp in amazement at God.
What can it result in?
There are several Scriptures that add to our understanding by informing us what the ‘fear of the Lord’ can lead on to:-
Prov. 1:7a: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…”
Ps. 111:10a: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…”
Prov. 9:10: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Prov. 15:33: “The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honour.”
What is its purpose?
This seems to be twofold:-
1. To keep you from sinning (Exod. 20:20)
2. Deliverance from trouble and need (Ps. 34:7-10)
What is it associated with?
It is connected with:-
1. Serving and obeying God (Deut. 6:13; 10:12-13; 31:12-13; Josh. 24:14; 1 Sam. 12:14, 24; Ps. 2:11; Eccles. 12:13).
2. Justice and purity (2 Chron. 19:7; Ps. 19:9).
3. Love (Ps. 118:4).
4. Blessing (Ps. 128:1; 145:19).
5. God’s delight (Ps. 147:11).
6. Adding length to life (Prov. 10:27; 14:27).
7. Humility (Prov. 22:4).
8. God’s Spirit and the Messiah (Isa. 11:2).
How do we get the ‘fear of the Lord’?
Ps. 34:11-14:-
1. Keep your tongue from evil.
2. Keep your lips from lying.
3. Turn from evil and seek good (cf. Prov. 8:13; 16:6).
4. Seek and pursue peace.
How can we change our attitude and acquire the ‘fear of the Lord’?
Isa. 50:10: “Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.”
Conclusion
“The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness. He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.” (Isa. 33:5-6).
So what?
The solution to our walk in life is to make the choice of whom to fear and regularly ask ourselves what is the object of our fear – the Lord or our circumstances?
© Chris Pickford 2013