"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10

Last week we looked at fear as a strong emotion caused by a sense of alarm, dread or danger from which the Believer has been delivered.
Why? Because God has given us a 'spirit of power'. This week let us see what Scripture says of Godly fear.

Our opening Scripture tells us it is the beginning of wisdom. The Amplified Bible says, "The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning (the chief and choice part) of Wisdom..."

Godly fear is the sense of reverence, awe and respect.
"Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words" describes Godly fear as follows-- "Reverential fear, of God, as a controlling motive of the life, in matters spiritual and moral, not a mere fear of His power and righteous retribution, but a wholesome dread of displeasing Him, a fear which banishes the terror that shrinks from His presence, ( 'For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out 'Abba Father.'
Romans 8:15),
and which influences the disposition and attitude of one whose circumstances are guided by trust in God, through the indwelling Spirit of God, ('Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied...' Acts 9:31)."
End of quote.

Scripture tells us that Godly fear--
Hates evil:
"The fear of the Lord is to hate evil;
Pride and arrogance and the evil way
And the perverse mouth I hate." Proverbs 8:13

Brings forth confidence:
" In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge." Proverbs 14:26

Is life giving:
"The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, To avoid the snares of death." Proverbs 14:27

Is sanctifying:
"The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever." Psalm 19:9

It is God who motivates those who fear Him as we see in the following-- By His majesty:
"In as much as there is none like You, O Lord (You are great, and Your name is great in might), Who would not fear our, O King of the nations?
For this is Your rightful due..." Jeremiah 10:6-7

By His holiness:
"Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy..." Revelation 15:4

By His forgiveness:
"But there is forgiveness with You,
That You may be feared." Psalm 130:4

By His goodness:
"Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you." 1 Samuel 12:24

By His power:
"For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over, that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever." Joshua 4: 23-24

How great and awesome is our mighty eternal God of the universe!
With hearts filled with thanksgiving, awe and reverence we worship You O LORD for You alone are the One to whom it is due! All glory belongs to You. Amen