More on Fear

So, after thinking those raw thoughts in the middle of the night 

I took time on the first day in hospital, to explore some more. 

The Fear of God in the Book of Proverbs

It was prompted by some wise words received from Colin last week. 

(Not son Colin .. Waterford Colin) 

Here’s what I have concluded so far.

Fear is good. Fear is an important emotion.

Fear protects from danger. 

Fears helps us avoid stupid choices. 

Fear empowers us.

But, fear also cripples, dominates, paralyses, intimidates.

As we are all well aware.

Seems contradictory.

But it’s all about where the fear is directed.

Thats why the Book of Proverbs makes the link between 

Fear and Wisdom.

Specifically the Fear of the Lord - the beginning, the fountain head, the source of all wisdom.

When Fear is placed in the Lord - awe, amazement, wonder - all other fears can be faced.

But, says Proverbs, if you really want to follow wisdom, you have to CHOOSE to Fear, you have to seek it out as you would a hidden treasure.

You can also choose to NOT Fear the Lord, which leads us into -

‘the waywardness of the simple, the complacency of fools’.

Choosing to Fear the Lord, means you you are choosing to not fear other stuff, nor to be intimidated by evil, by arrogance, by posing and pretensions.

And, in choosing to Fear, your wisdom increases. 

Years will be added to your life

Fear of the Lord is a refuge, a secure fortress.

Fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, better than wealth.

With our Fears placed in that direction, we are at once contented, safe, untouched by trouble

There is always a future hope for those who are 'Zealous for the Fear'.

Your hope will not be cut off.

Here are the references in Proverbs 1:7  1:29  2:5  8:13  9:9,10  10:27  14:26,27.  19:23  23:17