Proverbs 8:13, Wisdom’s Fear of the Lord

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March 24, Proverbs 8:13

Psalm 34 “Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great” (Rev. 19:5).

Wisdom’s Fear of the Lord

Men often dread the thought of punishment for sin, but still do not hate their sins. Their only regret is that God hates what they love. Fear of retribution is at the heart of much religious superstition. The heathen believe that “Fear made God!” In proportion as that fear evaporated, the fear of a holy God also faded from the minds of men. Humanism, often now in clerical garb, has convinced today’s churchgoers that if a personal God exists he treats sin as lightly as sinners do. Man has really no need to fear God anymore.

  1. Its Positive Contribution: Here we simply state two biblical truths. One is God’s hatred of sin, and the other, man’s love of sin. It is the promise of Wisdom that all who fear the Lord will come to love the good and hate the evil (Pr. 3:7; 16:6). Wherever we truly receive the words of Wisdom, an inward transformation takes place. Solomon’s first definition of the fear of the Lord is that it is the beginning of knowledge (Pr. 1:7). If that fear begins by imparting true knowledge, it is certainly not the end of it. Solomon adds that this fear prolongs one’s days (Pr. 10:27), gives strong confidence, is a place of refuge, a fountain of life (Pr. 14:26-27), it is better than much treasure, bestows honour (Pr.15:16, 33; 22:4), brings satisfaction (Pr. 19:23), and removes envy of the wealthy wicked (Pr. 23:17). This is evidence of a truly miraculous transformation. Is this not Wisdom’s positive contribution to all who heed her call? “As the embankment keeps out the water, so the fear of the Lord keeps out uncleanness” (Watson). This Fear is not, therefore, something to be afraid of, or denounced, but humbly embraced. “He who fears God has nothing else to fear” (CHS).
  2. Its Prospective Culmination: Holy Wisdom dwells with Prudence but can never dwell with evil. In today’s verse the fear of the Lord is to hate evil, pride, arrogancy, and every evil way (also Pr. 16:6). Now we see another side of this matter. We know that Wisdom hates evil, pride, and falsehood, and also why those who fear the Lord must hate these things. What is hateful to Godliness is also hateful to Wisdom! They become a perfect reflection of each other. A reverence for God brings dread of sin and a growing desire to reflect His likeness in our lives. Can two walk together except they be agreed (Amos 3:3)? This comes to its culmination only in Christ. How blessed, then, is the sinner’s pardon through the precious blood of Christ! “In Christ only may this sore derangement [love of sin] be healed. It is only when sin is forgiven that a sinner can hate it. Now he is on God’s side. The two are agreed, and He is our peace who has taken away sin by one sacrifice” (Arnot). Instead of hating God for His holiness, the redeemed sinner more and more loathes his sin and cries, Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right (consistent) spirit within me (Ps. 51:10). He longs for more holiness, and for the day when full deliverance comes from the very presence of sin. Since Wisdom and God both hate evil, so must His redeemed ones as they strive to let their light shine before men.

Thought: “I found that I was not only converted, but I was invaded” (Eugenia Price).

Prayer: Lord, that I might know more of this Holy Fear!