The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Since "the fear of the Lord" is the beginning of knowledge in this verse, and "the beginning of wisdom" in Proverbs 9:10, the devil attacks this concept by redefining fear.

Even many fundamentalists say this fear is merely a respect or reverence, but the English word (and even the Hebrew word for that matter) primarily means being afraid.

In the New Testament in Acts 9:31 this phrase, "the fear of the Lord" appears.

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Again let me emphasize the English word is fear. Even the Greek word used here is "phobos" - look familiar? - meaning "alarm or fright...fear, terror," according to Strong's Concordance.

But the clearest proof of the Biblical meaning of fearing the Lord may well be found in Luke 12:4-5.

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.


Surely this describes more than just reverence!

-Bro. Bobby Schoolfield