The Fear of the Lord

Solomon spoke about the fear of the Lord in Proverbs chapters one and nine. In chapter one, he said that fools despise wisdom and instruction. He spoke about the fear of the Lord again in chapter nine and concluded on the importance of the knowledge of God. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (Proverbs 9:10). The fear which Solomon spoke of is not dread or terror which leads to anxiety. The fear that Solomon spoke about is a reverential fear based on the understanding and knowledge of who God is. I believe that many people make errors of judgement due to ignorance about the things of God.

For example, the knowledge of God and his word, makes us aware of spiritual laws. These include sowing and reaping and the power in the spoken word. So many people speak constantly out of turn and don’t seem to make the connection with the outcomes. “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences” (Proverbs 18:21). Solomon is pointing out that an untamed tongue leads to destruction. We are the same ones who complain when we experience misfortune. Howbeit that many people have exactly what they say.

You speak words daily over your body, health, finances, children, marriage and relationships and then you grieve when you experience what you say. Are we not wise enough to make the connection and why do we allow the devil to keep us slaves to deception? “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap”(Galatians 6:7). You reap the fruits of your words and actions because God’s word cannot lie. He honours his word above his name. God is not out to get you and he is not waiting to punish you. There are spiritual laws that govern the universe and are set in motion by our words and actions.

Some words and behaviours give the devil legal rights to afflict you. Read the word of God, pay attention and try your best to walk in the will of the Lord. Don’t blame God when your actions reap the consequences. It is important to gain wisdom with understanding and show reverence to the things of God. Bitterness, anger, resentment, jealousy, covetousness, back-biting, slander and gossip are all seeds. If you sow seeds to the flesh then you will of the flesh reap corruption, but those who sow to the spirit will reap eternal life (Galatians 6:8).

A.P.-Y.