The book of Proverbs returns again and again to the fear of the Lord. Four verses in Proverbs 14–18 mention the phrase directly, each revealing what believers gain when they fear God. Three passages state the benefit plainly; one weighs the fear of the Lord against worldly alternatives and shows its advantage.
Four Facets of Fear
- Strength of Durability (Proverbs 14:26–27)
- Fearing God builds confidence that endures. It becomes a refuge for the next generation and a fountain that turns people away from deadly traps.
- Source of Attraction (Proverbs 15:16)
- Its beauty outshines wealth and status. When believers choose reverence over riches, they escape the snares that accompany treasure pursued without God.
- Symbol of Distinction (Proverbs 15:33)
- Fearing God teaches wisdom and precedes true honor. It stands incomparable to anything this world offers. Dave Ramsey once observed, “A paid-off home mortgage has taken the place of the BMW as the status symbol of choice.” Yet even that pales beside the distinction of walking humbly before the Lord.
- Sincerity of Direction (Proverbs 16:6)
- Mercy creates space for repentance, and truth exposes sin. However, only the fear of the Lord keeps believers turning away from evil over the long haul. It directs the heart toward righteousness with enduring sincerity.
Related Material
- Wisdom through Relationship with God — worshipful relationship as wisdom’s foundation, aligning with the fear-of-the-LORD theme
- Wisdom’s Power: Fear, Covetousness, and Holiness — Fear of the Lord as the source of life-giving wisdom.
- Transformative Trust: Seven Divine Benefits — Trust in the Lord linked to flourishing outcomes.
Source: Devotional given by Pastor Dan Patrick
Disclaimer: Information in my “slip-box” doesn’t necessarily reflect my agreement with the source or all its content. Recording diverse perspectives helps strengthen one’s position beyond the echo chamber of like-minded thinkers. By documenting alternative viewpoints, we engage in the intellectual wrestling match that ultimately deepens our understanding.
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