The Fear of the Lord

September 13

(Psalm 111:10 NIV) “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise."

(Isaiah 33:5-6 NIV) "The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness. {6} 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."

(Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV)  "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."

(Acts 9:31 NIV) "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord."

Some think the fear of the Lord is outdated. Perhaps they misunderstand the concept. Perhaps they have become intoxicated with higher learning, rather than being desirous of wisdom. Perhaps they feel like the fear of the Lord is too “Old Testament”. Or, they may simply believe that fearing God is beneath them. Regardless of their reasoning, they are very wrong. Scripture makes it clear that fearing God is a good and proper thing for man to do. Rather than discarding the fear of the Lord, we are called to grow in it. The early church lived in the fear of the Lord and they grew and thrived. Fearing God in the appropriate manner is the key to spiritual treasure. It was the portal to salvation for the thief on the cross. It is the call of angels in the last days. It is part of the “whole duty of man”. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day