The Fear of the Lordنموونە

The Beginning Of Wisdom

The fear of the Lord is not a popular message in today’s culture, but it is a foundational truth that determines the trajectory of a believer’s life. Too often, we associate fear with dread, punishment, and anxiety. Yet in Scripture, the fear of the Lord is a reverential awe that draws us near rather than pushes us away. It is the moral compass by which wisdom operates.

Biblical fear encompasses reverence, morality, and a holy dread that acknowledges God's greatness. In Hebrew, the word "yare" conveys a sense of moral reverence. In Greek, "phobos" includes both terror and reverence. True fear of the Lord is not about being scared of God but about honoring Him as the sovereign Judge and Creator who holds our lives in His hands.

When the fear of the Lord is absent, lawlessness increases. As seen in 2 Thessalonians, the spirit of lawlessness is already at work, preparing the way for the man of lawlessness. But what restrains him is the presence of the Holy Spirit within the Church. The fear of the Lord equips us to be that restraining force, resisting evil through righteous living and godly decisions.

Wisdom is not measured by degrees or accolades. It is evidenced by one’s ability to choose God’s way over the world’s. A wise person doesn’t just avoid sin because of fear of punishment but avoids it because they understand the lasting consequences. The fear of the Lord cultivates foresight, discernment, and the ability to see beyond temporary gratification.

Lawlessness arises when people reject the moral boundaries God has set. When we choose our 'own way' and disregard God’s instruction, we forfeit wisdom and open doors to destruction. A reverent fear keeps us aligned with God's heart and restrains the schemes of the enemy from operating unchecked in our homes and communities.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning, not the end. It sets the stage for everything else — knowledge, wisdom, instruction, and discipline flow from it. Without this foundational fear, all our learning and striving amount to nothing of eternal value. It's time to return to a posture of holy fear — one that bows before God in awe, trust, and obedience.

Wisdom, then, is not simply knowing what is right, but choosing what is right because we honor God. This kind of fear produces decisions that preserve generations, alter destinies, and align us with the will of God. It is the essence of maturity in the Kingdom.

Reflection Questions:

1. How have you understood the fear of the Lord in the past- as punishment or reverence?
2. What decisions have you made recently that reflect wisdom grounded in reverence for God?
3. Are there areas in your life where lawlessness (ignoring God’s boundaries) has crept in?
4. How does understanding God’s greatness stir a deeper sense of awe in your daily walk?

Action Step:
Spend time today reflecting on God's greatness — His power, His creation, and His holiness. Write out a declaration of reverence, committing to honor Him with your thoughts, actions, and choices. Ask the Holy Spirit to increase your awareness of the fear of the Lord and to guide you in making wise decisions.