“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7 A healthy fear of a lion, a bear, the police, our parents, keeps us out of trouble without a doubt. Fear is
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7
A healthy fear of a lion, a bear, the police, our parents, keeps us out of trouble without a doubt. Fear is not necessarily a bad thing and it is something God created in us for a purpose. Although fear at times can be a bad thing, in regards to ones faith. It can be detrimental because fear is the opposite of faith and it will immobilize you from doing the things the Lord would have you do, but a healthy fear will keep you from harm. That is why God created the emotion of fear, it has its benefits. We are told that the “fear” of the Lord is the beginning, the starting point of knowledge and wisdom in our life. We are also told that only a fool would not desire but despise that wisdom and instruction. That equals no growth. I believe the fear that is being spoken of here is not the one we see in the famous movie The Wizard of Oz, that sends the Tin Man shaking and the Scarecrow wobbling in despair as they and their companions approach the Great OZ, but a fear of disappointing someone you love. It is a fear of not wanting to miss something great that God has for us, or something He would desire of us, because of His great love. I understand God is in control of all things and I should have a fear of being in that right place that He has for me, so I thus search out the things of the Lord so I may please Him. In the process I begin to know Him in a deeper way and this is the beginning of knowledge. It is a fear born out of a great love that He has for us and we should have for Him. — Pastor Tom
• A Proverb a Day with Pastor Tom Iannucci. Breath of Life Kaua‘i, www.breathoflife.org.
