Ray Comfort: Fear Of The Lord — Misunderstood, Dismissed, And Despised
In today’s culture, the concept of the fear of the Lord is often misunderstood, dismissed, or even despised. Many view it as outdated or oppressive, associating it with an angry God who should be avoided. Yet, the fear of the Lord is a foundational biblical doctrine, essential to a proper relationship with God. It’s central to the teachings of Scripture, both in the Old and New Testaments. Proverbs 9:10 says: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Genuine wisdom starts with a proper understanding of God. It is not merely a fear of punishment but a profound respect for His holiness, power, and authority. Isaiah describes the fear of the Lord as a treasure: “The fear of the Lord is His treasure.” (Isaiah 33:6)
And look at this wonderful promise: “The fear of the Lord leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil” (Proverbs 19:23).
In contrast, the world often rejects the thought of fearing God. Modern culture tends to prioritize self-reliance, worldly pleasure, and autonomy, viewing submission to God as restrictive. This is reflected in Romans 3:18, which says: “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
Without the fear of God, society drifts into moral confusion, arrogance, and rebellion, rejecting the boundaries and wisdom that God has kindly established. Psalm 25:14 states: “The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant.”
Those who fear the Lord are drawn into a deeper relationship with Him, where He reveals His truth and blesses them with His presence. In the New Testament, the fear of the Lord remains relevant for believers. The apostle Paul writes: “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1)
Although the world may despise or ridicule the fear of the Lord, Christians are called to embrace it as a priceless treasure. It is the key to wisdom, the foundation of godly living, and the path to a deeper relationship with the Creator. Let us remember King Solomon’s wise words: “Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
By cultivating a healthy fear of God, we honor Him and receive the blessings of wisdom, guidance, and eternal life in His presence.
