The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge
- Proverbs 1:7
There are scriptures in the Bible that you read and they automatically make sense, but then there are those that you have to sit with for a long time.
In fact, the understanding of them comes through lived experience.
I truly believe that Proverbs 1:7 is one such scripture.
Because as humans, we have a negative connotation with the word fear.
So, does fearing God mean we literally have to be shaking in our boots?
Not quite!
Why?
Because as much as there's a terrifying side to God (ask Korah, Numbers 16), the New Testament has revealed him to be Love.
Both fear and love can compel obedience, but the difference is that a person acting under the influence of fear is trying to save their neck. They have to play ball. They simply have no choice.
But with love, obedience is not forced. It's done willingly.
And therefore, fearing God must mean something entirely different.
And yes, it does.
The Hebrew word used for fear in Proverbs 1:7 is yir'ah, which translates to reverence.
And reverence means:
A deep, humble respect and moral submission to God's supreme holiness and power.
As you can see, fearing God is having respect for him.
The question then becomes,
How do you treat the things you respect?
How do you conduct yourself in their presence?
Because familiarity creeps in the moment respect leaves the picture.
And with familiarity comes contempt.
And God HATES contempt.
