The Fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7)

Sermon on 3 August 2025 by Pastor Paul

August VTM [learning]

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:1-7

The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding, To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity; To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion— A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

●      The book of proverbs contains GOD’s wisdom

●      Reading GOD’s words and knowing them are important. But reading GOD’s words with the wrong heart and attitude will not give us wisdom

●      When we receive GOD’s words, we need to have the fear of the LORD

What is the “Fear of the Lord“?

1. Have a sense of apprehension or even dread, in relation to divine judgement or punishment (consequences of disobeying GOD’s commandments)

2. Have a deep reverence, awe and respect for GOD

Matthew 10:28

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Isaiah 29:13

Therefore the Lord said: “Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men,

“FEARING GOD “is often mentioned in OT (Old Testament) is it still relevant in NT (New Testament) and to us today?

It is mentioned in NT and still relevant to us

> Acts 10:2,22,35; 13:16,26

> 2 Corinthians 7:1

> Ephesians 5:21

> Hebrews 5:7; 11:7; 12:28

> 1 Peter 2:7

> Revelations 14:7; 19:5

> Matthew 10:28

> Luke 12:5

What is it important to fear GOD?

1. It is GOD’s command

Deuteronomy 8:6

“Therefore you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.

1. Our heart becomes teachable to receive and obey GOD’s words

Ezekiel 36:26-27

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

1. Know that GOD has all authority. Our conduct must glorify GOD

I Timothy 4:12

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

●      Gain knowledge (Proverbs 1:7)

●      Gain wisdom (Proverbs 9:10)

Fearing GOD vs Loving GOD

Is it possible for us to both fear and love GOD?

1 John 4:18-19 (NKJV)

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.

1 John 4:18-19 (NLT)

Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first.

*We cannot fully love GOD if we fear of GOD’s punishment Eg. Father and Son. Then how do we both fear and love GOD? Is there contradiction in the Bible?

●      What happens if we love GOD but do not fear Him?

●      What happens if we fear GOD but not out of love for Him?

Fearing GOD and Loving GOD can lead us to obey and keep GOD’s commandment.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.

John 14:15

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.

Fearing GOD can lead us to the right way of how to love GOD.

Deuteronomy 10:12-13

“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good?

GOD is holy, righteous and love

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Fear and love GOD

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Obey, serve and walk with GOD