Topical Encyclopedia Godly fear, often synonymous with reverence and awe towards the Almighty, is a profound theme throughout the Scriptures. It is a fear that acknowledges God's holiness, power, and justice, leading to a life of obedience and worship. This fear is not a paralyzing dread but a respectful acknowledgment of God's majesty and authority. Those who possess godly fear are often recipients of God's compassion and mercy, as evidenced in various biblical passages.Biblical Foundation The concept of godly fear is deeply rooted in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. 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 a proper reverence for God is foundational to acquiring true wisdom and understanding. It is this fear that aligns the believer's heart with God's will, fostering a life that is pleasing to Him. God's Compassion for the God-Fearing The Scriptures affirm that God shows special compassion and pity towards those who fear Him. Psalm 103:13-14 declares, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust." This passage illustrates the tender mercy God extends to those who revere Him, likening His care to that of a loving father who understands the frailty of his children. In the New Testament, the theme continues as the early church is encouraged to live in godly fear. Acts 9:31 notes, "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers." Here, godly fear is associated with spiritual growth and divine encouragement, indicating God's favor upon those who walk in reverence. Examples of Godly Fear in Scripture Numerous biblical figures exemplify godly fear and, as a result, receive God's pity and favor. Noah, for instance, is described as a man who "walked with God" (Genesis 6:9) and was spared from the flood due to his reverence and obedience. Similarly, Job is noted for his fear of God, which is highlighted in Job 1:1 : "There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. And this man was blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil." Despite his trials, Job's fear of God ultimately leads to his restoration and blessing. The Role of Godly Fear in the Believer's Life For the believer, godly fear is both a motivator and a guide. It compels the faithful to pursue righteousness and shun evil, as seen in Proverbs 8:13 : "To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech." This fear fosters a deep respect for God's commandments and a desire to live in accordance with His statutes. Moreover, godly fear is a source of divine protection and provision. Psalm 34:7 assures, "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them." This promise of deliverance underscores the protective nature of God's pity towards those who hold Him in reverence. Conclusion While godly fear is a profound and multifaceted concept, it is clear that those who possess it are recipients of God's compassion and mercy. Through reverence and awe, believers align themselves with God's will, experiencing His favor and protection in their lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 103:13Like as a father pities his children, so the LORD pities them that fear him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Parental Duties Considered and Urged. Hebrews xii. 18-24 The Kingdom of Heaven Exhortation to Abandon the Impious Mysteries of Idolatry for the ... Faith and Regeneration The Life of Mr. James Mitchel. Accusers Challenged Hebrews xi. 7 The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest. Trust in God --True Wisdom Resources What does “perfect love casts out fear” mean? | GotQuestions.orgHow is the fear of man a snare (Proverbs 29:25)? | GotQuestions.org How is the fear of the Lord the beginning of wisdom? | GotQuestions.org Fear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fear of God: A Motive of Obedience Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: David Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Job, According to the Testimony of Satan Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Jonah, During the Storm Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Noah, in Preparing the Ark Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: The Jews, in Obeying the Voice of the Lord Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: The Women at the Grave Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Adam and Eve Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Demons Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Judas Fear of God: Guilty Fear: The Guards at Jesus' Tomb Fear of God: Hezekiah, in his Treatment of the Prophet Micah, Who Prophesied Harm Against Jerusalem Fear of God: Jacob, in the Vision of the Ladder, and the Covenant of God Fear of God: Obadiah, in Sheltering One-Hundred Prophets Against the Wrath of Jezebel Fear of God: Phinehas, in Turning Away the Anger of God at the Time of the Plague Fear of God: The Egyptians, at the Time of the Plague of Thunder and Hail and Fire Fear of God: The Midwives of Egypt, in Refusing to Take the Lives of the Hebrew Children Fear of God: The Nine and One-Half Tribes of Israel West of the Jordan River Godly Fear: A Characteristic of Saints Godly Fear: A Fountain of Life Godly Fear: A Treasure to Saints Godly Fear: Filial and Reverential Godly Fear: God is the Author of Godly Fear: God is the Object of Godly Fear: Motives to Judgments of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Forgiveness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Goodness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Greatness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Holiness of God Godly Fear: Motives to Wondrous Works of God Godly Fear: Necessary to Avoiding of Sin Godly Fear: Necessary to Impartial Administration of Justice Godly Fear: Necessary to Perfecting Holiness Godly Fear: Necessary to Righteous Government Godly Fear: Necessary to The Service of God Godly Fear: Necessary to The Worship of God Godly Fear: Searching the Scriptures Gives the Understanding of Godly Fear: should Accompany the Joy of Saints Godly Fear: should be Constantly Maintained Godly Fear: should be Exhibited in Giving a Reason for Our Hope Godly Fear: should be Exhibited in Our Callings Godly Fear: should be Prayed For Godly Fear: should be Taught to Others Godly Fear: The Wicked Destitute of Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Accepted of God Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Blessed Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Pitied by God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Afford Pleasure to God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Confide in God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Converse Together of Holy Things Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Days of, Prolonged Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Depart from Evil Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Desires of, Fulfilled by God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Receive Mercy from God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: should not Fear Man Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Future Punishment Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Idols Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Judgments Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Man Unholy Fear is Described as Consuming Unholy Fear is Described as Overwhelming Unholy Fear: A Characteristic of the Wicked Unholy Fear: A Guilty Conscience Leads To Unholy Fear: Adonijah's Guests Unholy Fear: Exhortations Against Unholy Fear: Saints Delivered From Unholy Fear: Saints Sometimes Tempted To Unholy Fear: Seizes the Wicked Unholy Fear: Shall be Realised Unholy Fear: Surprises the Hypocrite Unholy Fear: The Wicked Judicially Filled With Unholy Fear: Trust in God, a Preservative From Related Terms |
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