Topical Bible: Godly Fear: Searching the Scriptures Gives the Understanding of

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Godly fear, often synonymous with reverence and awe towards God, is a profound theme throughout the Bible. It is a fear that is not rooted in terror but in respect, honor, and love for the Almighty. This concept is pivotal in understanding the relationship between humanity and the divine, as it encapsulates the attitude one should have towards God. The Scriptures provide a comprehensive guide to understanding this form of fear, emphasizing its importance and the wisdom it imparts.

The Nature of Godly Fear

Godly fear is distinct from worldly fear. It is a reverential awe that acknowledges God's majesty, holiness, and authority. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" . This verse highlights that godly fear is foundational to acquiring wisdom and understanding. It is the starting point for a life that seeks to align with God's will.

Scriptural Insights into Godly Fear

The Bible is replete with passages that elucidate the nature and benefits of godly fear. In Deuteronomy 10:12, Moses instructs the Israelites, "And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul" . Here, godly fear is linked with obedience, love, and service, indicating that it is an integral part of a faithful life.

Psalm 111:10 echoes the sentiment found in Proverbs, stating, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever" . This verse reinforces the idea that godly fear leads to wisdom and understanding, suggesting that those who cultivate this fear will gain insight into God's ways.

The Role of Godly Fear in the Believer's Life

Godly fear is not merely an abstract concept but a practical guide for living. It influences behavior, decisions, and attitudes. In Ecclesiastes 12:13, the Preacher concludes, "When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind" . This passage underscores the centrality of godly fear in fulfilling one's duty to God.

The New Testament also addresses godly fear, particularly in the context of salvation and sanctification. In Philippians 2:12-13, Paul exhorts believers, "Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now even more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose" . Here, godly fear is associated with a serious and earnest pursuit of holiness, recognizing God's active role in the believer's life.

The Benefits of Godly Fear

The Scriptures promise numerous benefits to those who cultivate godly fear. Proverbs 14:27 declares, "The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death" . This metaphor suggests that godly fear is life-giving and protective, steering individuals away from destructive paths.

Moreover, Psalm 25:14 reveals, "The LORD confides in those who fear Him, and reveals His covenant to them" . This verse indicates that godly fear fosters a deeper relationship with God, where He shares His wisdom and covenant promises with those who revere Him.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently portrays godly fear as a vital component of a faithful and wise life. Through reverence and awe, believers gain understanding, wisdom, and a closer relationship with God. The Scriptures serve as a guide, revealing the profound impact of godly fear on one's spiritual journey.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 2:3-5
Yes, if you cry after knowledge, and lift up your voice for understanding;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

What the Scriptures Principally Teach: the Ruin and Recovery of ...
... we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this ... a soul fleeing into Christ
for fear of hell ... answers to your objections,"not by searching into thyself ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture vi what the scriptures.htm

The Witness of the Spirit
... by this peculiar blessing upon them in searching the Scriptures ... it otherwise, God
would justify the godly and their ... And I cannot but fear that a supposition of ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 11 the witness of.htm

One Thing is Needful;
... but to impress upon the heart those searching realities upon ... fill me always with
thy holy fear, And godly ... holiness Thou dost with so much godly zeal express ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/one thing is needful.htm

I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
... While prayer is making, God is searching the heart, to see ... is very apt, of itself,
to run without either fear or wisdom ... So did the rest of the godly (Hosea 12:4 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/i will pray with the.htm

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... goest on till thou meetest with a searching word, and ... God hath laid up for them that
fear him (1 ... man's soundness in the faith, of his godly conversation, and ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm

Chapter iv
... the connection, of a warning and a searching question: Have ... Murderers fear that they
in turn will be slain by ... the Development of the Family of the Godly (v.25 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter iv.htm

Of the Words of St. Matthew's Gospel, Chap. Iii. 13, "Then Jesus ...
... places, I say with confidence (though in fear I say it ... of the devout; from the
understanding of the godly! ... Thou art searching among the creatures for some three ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon ii of the words.htm

An Earnest Warning About Lukewarmness
... see what my religion can do, see here a godly people banded together in my fear
and love ... come very much home to me, and caused great searching of heart ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/an earnest warning about lukewarmness.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... but all are led to a prayerful searching of the ... for by the wrath and fear is meant
the authoritative word of ... they are they that keep among the godly; they are ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm

Miscellaneous Subjects.
... The Scriptures are given us that by searching them and ... his condition or lot; he may
through fear of eternal ... but he has no inclination to godly sorrow; in fact ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xvi miscellaneous subjects.htm