Joel M Bradshaw

7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.–Proverbs 1

This word for ‘fear’ occurs 18 times in the Old Testament and each time fear is treated as a category. It is either present or it is not. Some people push back here and say that this verse makes it sound like we are all walking around deathly afraid of God and what He might say or do. Yet, the Bible beings certainty to uncertainty. We don’t have to worry as much about the ‘might’ with God.

Think of this verse theologically for one moment. Theology is actually very simple. Start by looking up at all the stars or around you at the diversity of the planet. Maybe ponder the sheer number of leaves on a tree or blades of grass in your yard. I encourage you to make two statements.

1. GOD EXISTS.
2. I AM NOT GOD.

Congratulations, you have now taken the first two steps as a theologian. It’s step 3 that involves our verse from Proverbs 1 today. For step 3 is a response to God. Biblical theologians make the next two steps…

1. GOD EXISTS.
2. I AM NOT GOD.
3. I THEREFORE ULTIMATELY ANSWER TO GOD (and not God answering to me).
4. THE BIBLE IS WHERE I LEARN GOD’S EXPECTATIONS OF ME.

The fear of the LORD means that I will not take steps 3 and 4 lightly, but rather seriously. Hope this helps!–JMB