The Wisdom of Proverbs

FEAR the LordProverbs 1:7

Interpreting Proverbs

FEAR the Lord

1. Remember the nature of a proverb.

2. Think hard!

3. Look for fulfillment in Jesus.

What is the Fear of the Lord?

FEAR the Lord

1. Loving obedience, reverential awe

Genesis 22:12 He said, "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you

have not withheld your son, your only son, from me."

What is the Fear of the Lord?

FEAR the Lord

1. Loving obedience, reverential awe

2. Holy dread, terror

Psalm 96:9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth!

Isaiah 66:2 This is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.

What is the Fear of the Lord?

FEAR the Lord

Psalm 130:3-4 3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? 4 But with you there is forgiveness,

that you may be feared.

Acts 5:5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it.

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling…

What is the Fear of the Lord?

FEAR the Lord

Psalm 2:10-12 10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice

with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all

who take refuge in him.

Isaiah 11:2-3 And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and

might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. 3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD.

What is the Fear of the Lord?

FEAR the Lord

“…the beginning of knowledge”

• Integrating theme

• Presupposition

• Foundation

Why should we seek it?

FEAR the Lord

1. purifies from evil (8:13, 14:2, 16:6, 23:17)

2. makes rich (22:4)

3. ensures honor (22:4)

4. prolongs life (10:27, cf. 14:27, 19:23, 22:4)

5. delivers from danger (14:26, 19:23, 28:14)

Why should we seek it?

FEAR the Lord

6. counteracts other fears (14:26, 29:25)

Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.

Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever

trusts in the LORD is safe.

How can we develop it?

FEAR the Lord

1. Be teachable.

2. Meditate on God in His word. He created the whole earth. He sees all. He curses and hates and abominates. He is sovereign over everything, including

people’s choices. He is wiser and more powerful than any

created thing. He is trustworthy.