The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
    all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
       To him belongs eternal praise.

The fear of the Lord is so often misunderstood as a paralyzing fear that cripples rather than a healthy fear that moves us to follow Him. The reverent, respectful fear of the Lord can inspire us to follow Him more closely and respect His commands.

This kind of fear is not a negative fear, but a life-saving attitude that honors the Lord at all times, knowing that I will give an account for the way I have lived my life. It is truly a fear, but because I fear the God of Heaven, then I have nothing to fear. And as I walk in the fear of the Lord, then this opens the door to hear His voice more clearly and this benefits me immensely in understanding His ways and His wisdom. God’s wisdom and understanding are revealed to me the more I follow Him, fear Him and honor Him with my life. The fear of the Lord is truly the beginning of wisdom.

My take away from this verse has to do with acknowledging the constant presence of the Lord in my life and that nothing escapes His attention. Because I know He sees all and knows all about me, I am inspired to please Him in thoughts, attitudes and actions. There is no place that I can go outside of His watchful and caring eyes.

Rather than this knowledge intimidating me into a life of slow paralysis, I am reassured of God’s love and care for me, and that He is always there to pick me up when I fail or fall. I am challenged to walk in the fear of the Lord so that I am able to hear His voice more clearly and avail myself of greater wisdom and understanding. The fear of the Lord inspires me to walk carefully before Him.

Father God, thank You for your protective love that gives me wisdom for every day. I set my heart to obey your commands and serve You with all my heart. Teach me to have a healthy fear of You and your presence. Lord Jesus, come fill me with your love and your Spirit so that I may grow in wisdom and understanding.