SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 16:6 NIV Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.
THOUGHT: This is the second part of the verse I wrote about yesterday. I did a little study this week on the phrase “the fear of the Lord,” for a series I’m writing for Words of Hope, and was stunned to see the phrase is used 27 times in the ESV, accounting for right choices, justice, peace, honesty, kindness, worship, wisdom, joy, knowledge, hatred of evil, pride, arrogance, and perverted speech, longer life, strong confidence, a fountain of life, rest, a sure foundation, unwavering faith, a multiplying church, persuasive faith, holiness, and humility toward each other.
I’d be happy to send the study to you if you’d like to look at all the Scripture references – but even if you don’t want to look into it, think about it. By fearing God appropriately, we can achieve so many of the things we struggle with day-to-day. I think our church culture doesn’t talk about that often. Fear-of-God doesn’t negate grace in the least, it just adds to our faith more wisdom.
PRAYER: God, if by knowing you more completely, by seeing you more completely I can be inoculated against sin and have the character I desire be more readily available, I want it. Help me walk in appropriate fear and awe of you.
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