In Psalms, chapter one hundred, verse ten, the truth is the foundation for the Old Testament wisdom literature. Fear of and reverence for God, as in Job twenty-eight, verse twenty-eight, are fundamental to the believer’s relationship with God. Fearing the Lord makes us concerned and alert that we do not offend our holy God. Without this foundation, no true wisdom exists, and no redemptive experience will stand the test of time and temptation. Other Scriptures are Proverbs one, verse seven; Proverbs nine, verse ten; and Ecclesiastes twelve, verse thirteen, respectively.
The reality of the fear of God and true Biblical wisdom cause us to turn from evil and result in “the comfort of the Holy Ghost,” as in Acts nine, verse thirty-one. The verse emphasizes the formula “to fear God,” both in the gospel, as in Luke one, verse fifty, Luke eighteen, verse two, Luke twenty-three, verse forty, and n Acts. The God-fearers formed the starting point for the Gentile mission in Acts ten. The fear of the Lord produces trust, obedience, and the avoidance of evil. The response, in turn, results in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.
To fear God and yet continue in sin is a moral impossibility. The person who acclaims God’s majesty and recognizes His opposition to evil characterizes themself by an earnest, decisive, and total endeavor to separate from sin. A reverent awe of God’s power, majesty, and holiness produces in us a holy fear of transgressing His revealed will. Such reverence is essential to gaining a heart of wisdom. The New Testament indicates sincere fear of the Lord in our hearts will accompany the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
Fear of God, love for Him, His Word, and obedience to His commandments bring purpose and satisfaction that is not in any other way.