"The Fear of the Lord - Introduction"

John Hoole December 21, 2003

For the past two weeks we have taken an overview of the complete book of Proverbs. We have looked at its primary author, Solomon. We have learned that Proverbs is one of three books authored by him, and that all three are part of a group of Old Testament books known as poetry.
We noted that a proverb is a short catchy statement that summarizes many words. The Proverbs of the Bible are generally in a couplet form, where one line of the proverbs is contrasted, compared or magnified by the second line. We also noted that the key subject of the entire book can be wrapped up on one word - Wisdom. This is a topic we will study at length, and we will use the hundreds of proverbs in the Book to look at Wisdom from many sides. We will start that venture in a few weeks.
Today, we are going to begin to examine more closely specific instruction we are given in our quest for wisdom. But first, I want to look at why this book was written. What is the purpose of these hundreds of proverbs. Fortunately, the purpose of the book of Proverbs is found in the first 6 verses.
Proverbs 1:1-6 NKJV
1. The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel
2 To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity; 4 To give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion -- 5 A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,
6 In order to understand a proverb and an enigma (parable), the words of the wise (sages) and their riddles.

In an almost rapid-fire succession, the author lays out reasons to study this book. These verses are almost like the opening address that a teacher or principal might give to new students in the school of wisdom.
In these verses, we are presented with a series imperative words. They are written in their infinitive form which indicates action is required.
o To know
o To perceive
o To receive
o To give
o To increase
o To attain
o To understand

Each of these action words is followed by the "object" of that action. In some cases, the verb has more than one object described. Taking each of these separately, we find 12 specific purposes of the Book of Proverbs,
1. To know wisdom (vs. 2)
2. To know instruction (vs. 2)
3. To perceive understanding (vs. 2)
4. To receive instruction in wisdom (vs. 3)
5. To receive instruction in justice (vs. 3)
6. To receive instruction in judgment (vs. 3)
7. To receive instruction in equity (vs. 3)
8. To give prudence to the simple (vs. 4)
9. To give young men knowledge (vs. 4)
10. To give young men discretion (vs. 4)
11. To increase learning (vs. 5)
12. To help attain to wise counsel (vs. 5)

Let's look at these purposes briefly. We will look at "wisdom" in much detail in a future lesson, so I will not address it here.
"To know Instruction"
The Hebrew word that is translated "instruction" is sometimes translated as "discipline." It may involve correction, but always with the idea of building a person's character. Disciplined instruction is a very close partner of wisdom.

"To perceive Understanding."
The NAS reads "to discern the sayings of understanding." To "discern" means to be able to distinguish between right and wrong. Understanding means the ability to grasp truth with insight and discernment. The book of Proverbs will help the person attain this understanding.

"To receive Instruction in Wisdom, righteousness, judgment and equity"
The word translated "wisdom" here is not the same as that used in verse 2. - "To know wisdom." In verse 3, it is speaking of "wise dealings." The three terms that follow - righteousness, judgment and equity - are adverbs in the original. As such, they describe how the "wise dealings" will manifest themselves.
o Righteousness - denotes correct and upright actions in accordance with the standards of God.
o Judgment - speaks of making a decision that is fitting and proper. Proverbs will develop a life that has a sense of propriety in making decisions.
o Equity - describes that which is fair.

"To give prudence to the simple"
Prudence is the kind of intelligence that sees the reasons behind things. This is the ability to get down to the bare facts and issues. It is to be crafty, sharp and shrewd.

"To give the young man knowledge and discretion"
The knowledge here does not indicate simple facts and figures stored away in one's brain. It is knowledge with a purpose. It is more like a "skill," like "hunting" or "music." And "discretion" indicates the ability to devise a plan, or to perceive the best course of action for gaining a goal.
Two kinds of people are identified here.
o the simple (NAS = naļve)
o the young

The simple are those who are "naļve, wide open, easily deceived and enticed". The young are those who are between birth and marriageable age. Solomon is saying that the proverbs in this book can provide prudence for such as these. For all those who wander aimlessly, lacking purpose and embracing only a human viewpoint, there is hope….. and instruction. Solomon assures us that his proverbs will add substance and purpose to our lives.

"To increase learning"
This tells us that the learning process never stops. The necessity for acquiring wisdom will always be with us. Once a person learns one truth, it then becomes the building block to learn another truth. Here, Solomon is not speaking to the naļve or young. He is addressing those who are already wise. The NIV renders this phrase: "let the wise listen and add to their learning." He is telling the wise to add yet more knowledge and wisdom. As Proverbs 9:9 says, Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser; teach a just man and he will increase in learning.

"To help attain to wise counsel"
The Hebrew word translated "counsel" is related to the verse "to steer the ship." We are to solicit wise advice for setting a coarse of action. Such direction from others who are wise will help you steer a right course through life. And Proverbs will provide such counsel.

This briefly introduces the Book of Proverbs to us. Solomon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, believed the proverbs would cultivate the ability to see into all facets of life. I think it is an exciting book, filled with nuggets of truth. I believe we are now ready to proceed to the next verse - Proverbs 1:7.
Proverbs 1:7 NKJV
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Last week we identified this verse as the "key verse" of the Book of Proverbs. Some call this verse the "motto" of Proverbs. Having briefly outlined the purpose of Proverbs, Solomon wastes no time getting to the point. In this verse we have the very first proverb in the Book. He sets that stage for what is to become the theme of the Book - WISDOM. So, let's begin examining the many truths found in the Book of Proverbs. And, to begin, I want to ask you a couple of questions.
A few years ago, we spent considerable time (3 years) studying the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthews gospel, chapters 5, 6, & 7. Matthew begins his gospel by showing that Christ is the rightful heir to the throne of David. And I stated during that series of lessons that the Sermon on the Mount is the King's manifesto of how He wants his people to live. The Bible lists many qualities which each Christian should exhibit.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THESE QUALITIES THAT SHOULD BE PRESENT IN THE LIVES OF THOSE FOLLOWING CHRIST?
NOW, WHAT TWO QUALITIES, OR ATTRIBUTES, OF HIS PEOPLE, DOES GOD RATE AS BEING MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANY OF THE REST?
You will find these two qualities mentioned in another book written by Solomon.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 KJV
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

God considers that these two qualities summarize the whole of our duty to Him.
1. Fearing God
2. Obedience to his commandments

This is no isolated Passage. There are several other Passages which say almost the same thing.
Psalm 112:1(NIV)
1 Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands.

This verse not only addresses these 2 qualities - fearing the Lord and keeping His commandments, but adds a statement. The person who reverences God and obeys him will be blessed by God.
Deuteronomy 5:29 NKJV
29 Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!

Not only will He bless those who exhibit these 2 qualities but it will overflow to their children and grandchildren.
Psalm 111:10(NKJV)
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.

I wonder why it is so important to "fear God." I can understand why we are told to keep God's commandments. According to John 14:15, keeping God's commandments is a sign of our love for Him. In the Old Testament, where the Levitical law was followed very closely, various sacrifices were offered within very strict guidelines. And yet, God says that even more important than the sacrifices is obedience. "To obey is better than sacrifice….." (1 Samuel 15:22). I can understand why obedience is one of the 2 "biggies."
BUT, TELL ME, WHY IS "FEARING GOD" SO IMPORTANT?
If God is so loving, kind and compassionate, why does Scripture say we should fear Him? We have heard a great many sermons and lessons on the WHY and HOW of obeying God and about keeping his commandments. But I have heard almost no sermons on "the fear of the Lord."
The fear of the Lord is something that many Christian have a tough time with. After all, doesn't God want to be our comforter? How could someone we fear comfort us?
SO, WHAT IS THE "FEAR OF THE LORD?"
The "fear of the Lord" is a much misunderstood concept. Perhaps it is, in part, because there are actually two types of "fear" of the Lord mentioned in the Bible. The first is mentioned in Isaiah 2:10, 19 and 21.
Isaiah 2:10, 19, 21 (KJV)
10 Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty.
19 And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.
21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

What kind of fear is this? This is speaking of the abject terror of an unrepentant sinner before the justice of God. Some translations, like the NKJV, NAS & RSV, render this as "the terror of the Lord." Others, like the NIV and Revised English Bible, translate it as "the dread of the Lord."
The original Hebrew word is pachad, which always indicates a terrified dread. The Book of Revelation contains a parallel passage (Rev. 6:15-17), in which evildoers try to hide in terror from God's justice. Ultimately, God will have to judge those who do evil and refuse to repent at His loving call.
Hebrews 10:26-27 (NIV)
26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 0
27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.

Such people have every reason to dread that day. Yet those who are in Christ are "not appointed to wrath" (1 Thessalonians 5:9). Our Lord has redeemed, justified and sanctified them by His work on the Cross. So, Christians who have experienced God's grace need not fear God's wrath and judgment.
1 John 4:17-18 NKJV
17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

Those who are perfected in love will have humble confidence on Judgment Day, and forever. Perfect love drives out all fear and dread of divine punishment.
Having said all that about those who dread God and live in terror, there is yet another kind of "fear of the Lord." Whereas, fear, in the sense of being dread, is not a virtue, this "fear of the Lord" is seen as something virtuous. It is shown in Isaiah 11:2-3, as one of the attributes of the Spirit of the Lord.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word used for this kind of godly fear is YIRAH, which denotes piety and reverence rather than abject terror. To fear the Lord is to reverence him. It is a sort of awe, respect, or reverence. But even these words are too weak. And "awe" has been denuded of meaning by the overuse of the word "awesome." But these words may be the best that we have, for there is no exact English translation of the Hebrew "Yirah."
This is one place where Webster's dictionary might help us. It identifies two definitions for "reverence," that indicate some action of one person toward another.
1. A feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe.
2. The outward manifestation indicative of deep respect; and obeisance.

1. A feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe
Solomon is telling us to have a feeling of deep respect for God. Solomon is also telling us to have an attitude of deep respect for God. In other words, our outlook on life - the manner in which we do things, should show our respect for God. A respectful attitude begets respect.
2. The outward manifestation indicative of deep respect and obeisance.
The reason I like this 2-part definition from Webster's in that it takes this reverence beyond a mere feeling or attitude, which requires something of the part of the persons.
When referring to the "fear of the Lord," Solomon is referring to specific actions we take to show God our respect and awe for Him This respect will manifest itself outwardly. And this seems to be consistently true throughout the Bible, when there is a discussion about the "fear of the Lord."
Things we do, like going to church, paying our tithes, serving in various ministries, letting God's love shine through us, are to be done out of reverence for God. And actions like bowing when we pray, or raising our hands in worship are conscious expressions of respect for God who created us, and for Jesus Christ who died for our sins.
So, what we have learned is that "fearing God" is not the same as being "fearful" or "being afraid." As someone has put it: "He who fears God need fear nothing else, and he who fears not God needs to fear everything else."
Let me give you a brief illustration to try to define this respect and awe even more. Let me use a military environment. There may be respect between equals, like two captains. But that isn't the same respect as each of them would have in the presence of a 5-star general. There is a much higher degree of respect, and probably awe, as one stand in the presence of such a high ranking individual.
Now, translate that into the respect between a Christian and their King. You and I may have a mutual respect for each other, as equals in the family of God. But our respect and awe and reverence for the King Himself, will be so much greater when we stand in His presence. Even though we, through the blood of Jesus Christ, are allowed to have boldness before our King's throne we still continue to be a subject before the King, and the One sitting on the throne continues to be The King
To fear God means to fully sense who we are, and that the One sitting on the throne is so much higher than we.
As Jeremiah 10:6-7 says:
Inasmuch as there is none like You, O Lord, You are great, and your name is great in might. Who would not fear You, O King of the nations?
>Also Revelation 15:4 adds:
Who shall not fear You, O Lord and glorify Your name?
Also Malachi 1:6.
A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am the Father where is the honor due me? And if I am a Master, where is respect due me?

Questions, comments & suggestions to John Hoole