“In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge. THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS A FOUNTAIN OF LIFE, To turn one away from the snares of death.” (Prov. 14:26-27)
“THE FEAR OF THE LORD LEADS TO LIFE, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction.” (Prov. 19:23)
“THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.” (Psalms 111:10)
“THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF KNOWLEDGE, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Prov. 1:7)
The word for fear is yârê’. This verb is used over 330 times and it means actual to BE AFRAID. There are translations that use the word yârê’ for what it really means… “The LORD your God is among you, A MIGHTY AND TERRIBLE (yârê’) GOD.” (Deut. 7:21)
Because of the increasingly wickedness of man, “Woe to those who rise early in the morning, That they may follow intoxicating drink…THEY DO NOT REGARD THE WORK OF THE LORD, Nor consider the operation of His hands. SO HELL HAS ENLARGED ITSELF, and opened its mouth without measure; and their glory, and their multitude, and their pride, and he who rejoices in her, SHALL GO DOWN INTO IT.” (Isa. 5:14) I have heard people say that we don’t need to be afraid of God we just need to respect God! Yes indeed, we need to respect the Lord, but we need to be afraid of the consequences of an unrepentant life. “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I WILL BE HIS GOD AND HE SHALL BE MY SON. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part IN THE LAKE WHICH BURNS WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE, which is the second death.” (Rev. 21:7-8)
That’s why it says, “THE FEAR OF THE LORD LEADS TO LIFE, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction (fulfillment).” (Prov. 19:23)
-Bill Stockham