- June 11, 2025
The Fear That Leads To Wisdom
We hear the word “fear,” and our minds often jump to terror—the kind that sends shivers down your spine, the fear of darkness, spiders, or clowns. But when scripture speaks of fearing God, it’s not about trembling in dread. It’s about reverence, deep respect, and the kind of awe that shapes every choice we make.
The Fear of God Is About Honor, Not Horror
Just like a child who doesn’t want to disappoint a loving parent, the fear of God is about recognizing His holiness and wanting to live in a way that reflects it. It’s less about punishment and more about understanding the weight of His love and expectations.
Proverbs 9:10 puts it plainly: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Wisdom starts when we acknowledge God’s majesty and live in a way that honors Him.
Disappointment vs. Anger—What’s Worse?
Most of us have experienced the dreaded “I’m not angry, just disappointed” speech. Somehow, disappointment feels heavier than anger. Anger is quick, reactive. Disappointment lingers—it means someone expected better, believed in us more.
Now, imagine the disappointment of God—the One who calls Himself our Father, who desires a deep relationship with us. That weight is unimaginable. And it’s not about Him being harsh—it’s because He knows our potential. He sees what we could be, what we’re meant for, and when we settle for less, it’s heartbreaking.
Temptation Is Real, and Sin Is Fun—But What’s the Cost?
Let’s be honest: sin wouldn’t be tempting if it weren’t enjoyable. The enemy doesn’t dangle things in front of us that we already dislike. Sin has appeal, and that’s why avoiding it takes intentional effort.
But here’s the thing—the Holy Spirit is always there. If you ever feel that hesitation before making a decision, that check in your conscience, that’s Him nudging you. It’s like asking your mom for advice—sometimes, you don’t even have to ask because deep down, you already know what she’d say. The same goes for God. If you hesitate because you know something is wrong, then it’s wrong.
Living in Reverence, Choosing Holiness
At the heart of faith isn’t a fear driven by punishment—it’s a reverence shaped by love. It’s the kind of awareness that makes you pause, reflect, and choose differently—not because you’re afraid of what might happen, but because you don’t want to disappoint the One who knows your full potential.
Think about it—disappointment from a parent can weigh heavier than anger. Anger is reactionary, but disappointment? It lingers. It speaks to who you could have been, what you should have chosen. And if human disappointment stings, how much more should we consider the weight of disappointing God—the One who calls Himself Father?
This is why keeping Him at the center matters. Sin is tempting because it’s enjoyable—if it weren’t, avoiding it would be effortless. But when you pause, when you pray before a decision, when you feel that nudge in your conscience—that’s the Holy Spirit guiding you. You already know when something is wrong. The real test is whether you’ll listen.
Conclusion
It’s not about perfection; it’s about pursuit. A life centered on God isn’t just about avoiding mistakes but about constantly striving toward holiness. It’s choosing reverence over regret, wisdom over impulse.
So here’s the challenge—before you act, pause. Ask. Run it by Him first. Because when God is truly your everything, when your thoughts return to Him naturally, righteous living isn’t a burden—it’s just the obvious choice.
Remember, wisdom begins with reverence, and holiness is a choice rooted in love, not fear. His truth calls you higher, but His love remains—unchanging, unwavering, always enough.
