Topical Bible: Godly Fear: The Wicked Destitute of

◄ Godly Fear: The Wicked Destitute of ►

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In the biblical context, "godly fear" refers to a reverential awe and respect for God, acknowledging His power, holiness, and authority. It is a fundamental aspect of a righteous life, guiding believers to live in obedience and submission to God's will. However, the Scriptures make it clear that the wicked are destitute of this godly fear, leading to a life characterized by rebellion and moral corruption.

Scriptural Basis

The absence of godly fear among the wicked is a recurring theme in the Bible. In the Book of Psalms, David laments the condition of the wicked, stating, "There is no fear of God before their eyes" (Psalm 36:1). This lack of fear results in a life that disregards God's commandments and pursues selfish desires.

The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his epistle to the Romans, where he describes the sinful nature of humanity. He writes, "There is no fear of God before their eyes" (Romans 3:18), highlighting the universal condition of sin that separates the wicked from a righteous relationship with God.

Characteristics of the Wicked

The absence of godly fear in the wicked manifests in various ways. Proverbs 1:29-31 describes how the wicked "hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD." This rejection of divine wisdom leads to a life of folly and ultimately to destruction. The wicked are portrayed as those who "speak arrogantly" and "set their mouths against the heavens" (Psalm 73:8-9), demonstrating their defiance against God.

Furthermore, the wicked are often characterized by deceit and violence. In Psalm 10:4 , it is written, "In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his schemes there is no God." This prideful attitude results in a life that is self-centered and dismissive of God's authority.

Consequences of Lacking Godly Fear

The Scriptures warn of the dire consequences for those who lack godly fear. Proverbs 10:27 states, "The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened." The absence of godly fear leads to a life that is not only spiritually barren but also subject to divine judgment.

In the prophetic writings, the consequences of lacking godly fear are vividly depicted. Malachi 3:5 warns that God will be "a swift witness against sorcerers, adulterers, and perjurers, against oppressors of the widows and the fatherless, and against those who deprive the foreigner of justice, and do not fear Me." The absence of godly fear results in social injustice and moral decay, inviting God's righteous judgment.

Contrast with the Righteous

In contrast to the wicked, the righteous are characterized by their fear of the Lord. This godly fear is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) and leads to a life of obedience and blessing. The righteous are those who "fear the LORD and shun evil" (Proverbs 3:7), living in a manner that honors God and reflects His holiness.

The fear of the Lord is a source of strength and security for the righteous. Psalm 112:1 declares, "Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments." This reverence for God results in a life that is fruitful and pleasing to Him.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of the wicked as destitute of godly fear serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of reverence for God. The absence of this fear leads to a life of sin and ultimately to divine judgment. In contrast, the fear of the Lord is the foundation of a righteous life, guiding believers to live in obedience and enjoy the blessings of a relationship with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 36:1
The transgression of the wicked said within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.
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Proverbs 1:29
For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
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Jeremiah 2:19
Your own wickedness shall correct you, and your backslidings shall reprove you: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that you have forsaken the LORD your God, and that my fear is not in you, said the Lord GOD of hosts.
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Romans 3:18
There is no fear of God before their eyes.
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Library

Hebrews xiii. 17
... not manifest to all, and the wicked [ruler] will ... been seized, they ought again to
show their godly fear. ... children, and anxiety about wife, and fear of poverty ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxiv hebrews xiii 17.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... Was this only the temper of wicked men then? Is not the same spirit of rebellion
amongst us in our days? ... Thus far this fear is godly, that is, until Christ ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Persecution Every Christian's Lot
... Wicked men hat God, and therefore cannot but hate those who ... discipleship, an evidence
that you do live godly in Christ ... Fear not, therefore, neither be dismayed ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/persecution every christians lot.htm

One Thing is Needful;
... be my prayer, As well as diligence and godly care; So ... To save me from the lions,
for I fear This soul ... from me Into hell-fire, you that the wicked be, Prepared ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/one thing is needful.htm

Article I: of God.
... heart is naturally destitute of love, fear, and confidence ... afflictions, to murmur
because the wicked enjoy a ... And yet godly men acknowledge these in themselves ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 1 article i of.htm

Heb. 4:14 Our Profession
... be high-minded, but fear." There is a godly fear which is ... Fearing in the Pilgrim's
Progress, and fear they will ... the pomps and vanity of this wicked world," and ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xii heb 4 14 our.htm

Peace
... A wicked man is insensible. ... 3.) The godly may not ... It is still music, for want of which
a Christian is in continual fear, and does not take comfort in ordinances ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm

V. ...
... people must perish in their wicked lusts, and ... their human fancies and ludicrous conceits,
destitute of faith ... to apprehend the matter in Godly fear and humility ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter ii v 2.htm

Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and Drusilla
... from the God of the whole earth, saying unto him, "Thou profane and wicked prince,
remove the ... Happy, if his fear had produced that "godly sorrow, and ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/saurin paul before felix.htm

Thoughts Upon Worldly Riches. Sect. I.
... World, should notwithstanding be generally as wicked, debauched and ... it because they
are as destitute as other ... worshipped with Reverence and godly Fear; then we ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon worldly riches sect.htm