The Fear Of The Lord
There is much discussion on the character of God in regard to the fear of the Lord. What does it mean to fear the Lord? Is this an important doctrine? How can we love God and fear HIM at the same time?
Prov 14:2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him. (KJV)
If we fail to have the proper reverence and respect for who God is, our tendency will be to go our own way instead of following God's way. God's way for our life is to follow the way of righteousness. This stands in stark contrast to the way of iniquity or perversity. Recognizing that God is and that HE is a rewarder of those who "...diligently seek HIM", we fear the forfeiture of HIS blessing. The presence of God is love, joy and peace and we fear losing that presence for following the way of iniquity.
He made the heavens. He made the earth. He made the inhabitants of the earth and all that is therein. God is. He made the garden of Eden for man and his wife Eve to enjoy, but they sinned against God and lost the beautiful garden existence. They lost so much more by their rebellion and we watch the lostness work its way out in their lives and into the lives of their descendents. God is to be feared for he alone knows the beginning from the end. He alone knows the results of our decisions.
Prov 14:2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him. (KJV)
The lack of respect and honor for God and his truth will sorrow to come into our lives. We must maintain a walk uprightness or be willing to repent. Adam and Eve chose to go their own way and it cost them.
"walketh" - halak (haw-lak') The exercise of one's behavior...-The conversation or lifestyle of those who walk along the way.
The way is the narrow way of Matthew chapoter 7.
Mat 7:13-14 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
The narrow way is described in detail during the introduction of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapter 5. The narrow way belongs to the poor in spirit, the humble. The narrow way is characterized by those who mourn. They have a godly sorrow toward their sin and they are ready and willing to deal honestly and justly with their sin before God and man. The narrow way is a way of meekness. The meek are those who say with Jesus "Father not my will but thine be done". These are those who then hunger and thirst after righteouness. Those who enter the narrow gate walk the narrow path of righteousness for they fear God.
The word "feareth" is the Hebrew word yare' (yaw-ray) which means -fearing -having moral reverence -afraid. Without a proper fear, reverence, respect for God the sinner will have the tendency to turn aside from the way of righteousness.
The word "perverse" in our text of Proverbs 14:2 is luwz (looz) and it means to -to turn aside -to depart from -if one is preverse, they depart from the rightous way! Continuing in this pathway of unrighteousness will cause one's heart to despieth the ways of God.
The word "despiseth" bazah (baw-zaw') means to -find contemptible This person has such a haughtiness that it causes them to scorn that which is rightous. Instead of embracing the narrow path they mock it.
Having a proper fear, reverence, respect for God who made the heaven and the earth will deepen our love for HIM. Our love will deepen as we see the blessings of God fall to sinners such as we. We are blessed by the God of heaven and we love HIM and choose to honor HIM with our lives.
Other verses for contemplation:
Pro 14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit. (KJV)
Pro 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. (KJV)
Pro 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (KJV)
Pro 14:16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. (KJV)
