The Fear of the Lord
Speaker: Pastor Aaron Perry
We launched our new sermon series Schooled by Wisdom, a journey through the book of Proverbs. At the heart of Proverbs is a simple but life-changing truth: wisdom is not just knowing what’s right—it’s choosing to live it out.
Wisdom is the understanding and application of God’s will and ways. It shapes how we think, speak, relate, and love so that we can experience the good life God desires for us.
One of the central questions we asked was: What are you afraid of?
Proverbs 1:7 reminds us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
But what does it mean to “fear the Lord”?
It’s not about being terrified of God.
It’s about living in right relationship with Him—holding a reverent awe that leads to humble submission.
As John Bunyan once wrote, “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and they that lack the beginning have neither middle nor end.”
Throughout Scripture, we see that the fear of the Lord brings blessing, life, security, and peace (Proverbs 14:26–27, 19:23). In contrast, the fear of man leads only to burden and traps (Proverbs 29:25).
Here are some key takeaways from this week’s message:
The fear of the Lord isn’t about punishment—it’s about faithfulness and freedom.
To fear God is to hate evil, pride, and arrogance (Proverbs 8:13).
True wisdom produces peace, even when life feels chaotic.
Proper perspective—seeing life through God’s wisdom—leads to perfect peace.
As we continue through Proverbs, we’re reminded that God is generous with His wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault” (James 1:5).
Or as Saint Francis de Sales beautifully put it:
“We must fear God out of love, not love Him out of fear.”
This series will help us grow in wisdom—not just to know the right things, but to walk in them daily.