The Fear of the Lord

The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, so writes the wise man of Proverbs. A healthy fear of God is Scriptural. A "fear" of God is best described as a reverence. God is to be revered for who He is. Many times a person's level of understanding of God will determine their level of respect and awe of God.

Notice the word of the Lord as He comments on their fear.

Isaiah 29:13 ESV

And the Lord said:
“Because this people draw near with their mouth
and honor me with their lips,
while their hearts are far from me,
and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men,

Their fear did not come as a result of a respect for God, rather their "fear of me is a commandment taught by men."

Some have come to the place that their respect, reverence, and awe of God is based on a man-made commandment and not out of humility before Him.

Man may have the ability to persuade others to fear God based on a man-made commandment. This seems to produces hypocrisy and empty Christianity.

But a genuine and true fear of the Lord is born out of revelation of the greatness of God.

David wrote in Psalms 8 - "O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth... what is man that thou art mindful of him."

David's fear came not from man's word, but from a healthy reverence for the King of glory.

Fear God for who He is and not based on the commandment of men!