"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth forever."
Psalm 111:10
Psalm 111 describes several reasons why Jehovah is such a great God. Please read it before you continue. The psalm ends with the psalmist showing us why it is essential to “fear the LORD.”
“The fear of the LORD.”
Knowing God and having the appropriate respect for Him is vital to our relationship with Him. He is my sovereign LORD.
“Reverence for God; respect for his law, his will, his government, himself; the fear of offending him, which will lead us to do right. This fear is not that of a slave; it is not mere dread; it is not terror. It is consistent with love, and springs from it” (Barnes).
We can’t trust in a God that we do not respect. Holding Him in “reverential awe,” and “highly respecting” Him is necessary for our faith in Him to develop. While there can be no trusting Him without respecting Him, neither will we obey Him unless we believe and hold Him in high regard.
“Is the beginning of wisdom.”
The very first principle of wisdom is the “fear of the LORD.”
“And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28).
“Jehovah has revealed Himself as One Who is to be feared; to fear Him therefore is the starting point of all true wisdom; and Psalms 112 developes [sic.] the thought of the happiness of the man whose life is governed by this principle.” [1]
“A good understanding have all they that do his commandments.”
The way that a Believer shows he/she is wise, and a person of understanding, is to obey what the Word of God says.
“So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man” (Proverbs 3:4).
Believers with good insight are the ones who are obeying God.
“Insight is the reward of obedience.” [2]
“So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man” (Proverbs 3:4).
“His praise endureth forever.”
Jehovah will always be God. His attributes stand, they will not change.
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
He will not change, His praise lives on! This is the God we must “fear” and serve. Are you wise?
[1] Cambridge Bible, the electronic version in eSword.
[2] Cambridge Bible, ibid.