FEAR
People fear many things, but sometimes they do not fear the things they should. Fear can be good and sometimes it can be harmful. For instances, some people have a fear of leaving their home or going outside because of the violence that is in the world
today. Is it harmful to become secluded and live a hermit lifestyle because of fear? In most cases a person like this will eventually lose touch with all reality and begin to have psychological problems. They will forget what it is like to love and to be loved.
Therefore, this kind of fear is harmful. On the other hand, fear can be good and helpful. For instance, fear of being hit by a moving vehicle will cause a person to look both ways before crossing a street, thus removing the possibility of being injured.
The author of Proverbs tells us that there is a certain type of fear that is good and necessary for gaining the kind of knowledge that will save the soul. This is what he says in Proverbs 1:7, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise
wisdom and discipline." What does fearing the Lord mean? It does not mean that one should fear God in a way that he would fear and enemy or predator who is stalking our every move waiting for an opportunity to strike us down at the first mistake we make. Fearing God does not mean being scared or frightened of Him, but it does mean having a healthy respect, reverence, genuine piety and a cheerful obedience toward Him.
The true fountain of knowledge springs forth from God Himself. No man can ever
become truly wise unless he begins with God. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." (Proverbs 14:12). The person's mind that is
influenced by the fear and love of God will have true wisdom and knowledge.
Who are those who do not seek the wisdom of God? They are fools or evil people who are destined for destruction. What will happen to those who do not fear God and seek His wisdom? Proverbs 1:29-33 says, "Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord, since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. For the
waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them." As we go about our daily lives, let us remember to fear the Lord lest we become like a fool who will lose his soul. In fearing the Lord, let us also remember the promise He has made, "But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm." (Proverbs 1:33).
Keep the faith!!! <>< Joe
