The benefits of fearing the Lord, and a prayer for proper fear
Recently I read the book of Job after only dabbling in it for many years. Chapter 28 took me off guard—it is among the most poetically stark biblical writing I've come across.
The chapter basically says man may mine the earth for treasures, but we can't find or purchase true wisdom, which is hidden from all living things and known only to God.
"The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom," God declares in the chapter's final verse.
This topic of fearing him has always made me wonder. 1) Should we literally be afraid of him? 2) How do we fear him properly? 3) What are the benefits of this fear?
Addressing the first question, I do believe we should literally be afraid of his judgment and wrath. Fear of hell should drive us to Jesus.
Another reason for "real" fear (as opposed to just respect) is simply that he can do anything he wants, anytime he wants—even something painful to us. Pain and suffering are mysterious, and we often don't get easy answers—just ask Job.
The second "how" question is addressed in Proverbs 22:4a: "Humility is the fear of the Lord…" Fearing him looks like living and leading humbly. We defer to his will, his way.
As far as how fear helps us, there are several ways:
• Leads to a contented life (Pr. 19:23)
• Draws the Lord closer (Ps. 33:18, 34:7)
• Brings blessing (Ps. 128:1)
• Grows the church (Acts 9:31)
Anyone can learn how to fear the Lord. Psalm 34:13-14 says that even children can learn it. King David, speaking to the young, tells them to "keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it."
I'm looking forward to learning more about this mysterious topic of fearing the Lord—just starting to read a Christian classic on the topic and hope to summarize it for you in future posts.
Will you join me in a prayer?
Lord, I am your child. Teach me to fear you. Teach me what it means to fear you, to love you, to follow you.
And to trust you.
Pursuing peace,
Tom Harper
Founder, BiblicalLeadership.com
LinkedIn profile | My books
 | Tom Harper is publisher of BiblicalLeadership.com and executive chairman of Networld Media Group, a business-to-business publisher and event producer. He has written five books, including Servant Leader Strong: Uniting Biblical Wisdom and High-Performance Leadership (DeepWater Books, 2019) as well as the Christian business fable Through Colored Glasses and its sequel Inner Threat (DeepWater, 2022). Learn More » |
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