Proverbs 1:7 - The Significance of Fearing the Lord in Light of the Gospel

The fear of the Lord is an integral aspect of walking with God. In this article, we examine the wisdom of Proverbs 1:7 in the light of the Gospel of Christ. In doing so, we gain insight into the importance of fearing God and the repercussions of forsaking wisdom and instruction.

God Is Worthy to Be Feared

The term "fear" in the context of the fear of the Lord is not the paralyzing terror we might associate with it. Here, “fear” translates to deep respect, reverence and love for God. Therefore, by fearing the Lord, we humble ourselves, choosing God's ways over our own, recognizing Him as the great I AM, who is alone worthy of our worship.

Psalm 96:4 (NKJV) - For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.

The Bible confirms that the fear of the Lord does not entail living in constant dread or walking on eggshells under condemnation. It explicitly states that God has not given us a spirit of fear. Furthermore, it emphasizes that perfect love casts out all fear. This is especially true for believers, as we have obtained peace with God through the blood of Jesus. When we comprehend that the fear of the Lord is good for us because through it God lovingly guides us, then we have nothing to be terrified of. Consequently, we willingly choose to love Him.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind

1 John 4:18 (NKJV) - 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 Neglect Reverence Face Consequences

However, for those who fail to fear the Lord, there is something to be utterly terrified of. Paul, the apostle, acknowledges the terror of God, especially for unbelievers. This knowledge of God urges us to preach the Gospel, offering salvation to those who believe and sparing them from the impending wrath of God.

2 Corinthians 5:11 (NKJV) - Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.

Jesus himself advised us to fear God, who has the authority to destroy both body and soul, over fearing mere mortals who can only harm the body. The instruction to work out our salvation with fear and trembling resonates through the teachings; We are to always mindful that God, being just, will judge every deed.

Matthew 10:28 (NKJV) - And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

2 Corinthians 5:10 (NKJV) - For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

On the day of Judgment, if we are found guilty because we do not believe in the only begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ, for our salvation, we will face the penalty of sin–death–leading to eternal damnation and the wrath of God.

Worldly Knowledge vs. True Godly Knowledge

Fearing God, therefore, is the beginning of true knowledge, guiding us to follow the One who leads us to life–-eternal life. It allows us to know the true and only God. In contrast, worldly knowledge deceives by appearing clever, but it cannot save anyone's soul. This type of knowledge only puffs up, causing people to become wise in their own eyes, thinking that they know better than God. Some even deny His existence. However, by professing to be wise they become fools by rejecting the truth and not following Jesus. Therefore, they will face the consequences of those decisions.

Proverbs 3:7 (NKJV) - Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.

All Given the Opportunity to Choose Wisely

God warns and gives every person the opportunity to choose between life and death: Every person who walks this earth will hear the Gospel. Yet, many will despise this wisdom and instruction, unaware that in Jesus, God has hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV) - For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Colossians 2:2-3 (NKJV) - that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

In conclusion, when reading Proverbs 1:7 with the Gospel of Christ in mind, we discern the benefits of fearing the Lord and the severe consequences of neglecting wisdom and instruction.