The Fear of the Lord

Proverbs 1:7-8

Introduction:  The Ten key words in Proverbs.  Proverbs is a book of Contrasts

1.  Wisdom (v2)-  skillfulness:  the ability to use knowledge aright.  37x

2.  Instruction cf. “chasteneth” :  to teach by discipline. 26x

3.  Understanding cf. “discernment”or “intelligence”

4.  Wisdom (v3) – to bereave or to miscarry  “the instruction of bereavement”

5.  Justice (v3) – “conduct”:  right behavior

6.  Judgment (v3) – “decisions”

7.  Equity (v3) – principles, rather than conduct.  Uprightness, or moral integrity

8.  Subtilty (v4) – “Craftiness”  Ability to detect craftiness in others  “Wise as serpents, harmless as doves.”  

9.  Knowledge (v4) – “information of a sound character.”

10.  Discretion (vs. 4) – “Thoughtfulness” a description lacked by the immature, but becomes manifest in one who feeds upon the Word of God.

I.         The Fear of the Lord

A.      Fear:    Respect  

                                                            1.       Lack of Respect in General

a.      Romans 13:7  Give   honor   to whom honor is due

b.     Prov. 16:31 Respect for the   hoary   head

                                                            2.      Lack of Respect in Particular

a.     A Respect for God’s   institutions  

1) The Church

2) The Bible

b.     A Respect for God in   particular  

1) A Lack of    Reverence  

                                                                                                                                   a)      Taking His Name in Vain

                                                                                                                                   b)      Bringing Reproach upon His name  (Jn 13:35)

2) A Lack of   Love  

3) A Lack of Understanding:  _Obey   

II.     Is the   Beginning   of Knowledge

A.     The   foundation   of all knowledge is God

                                                            1.      Knowledge built upon anything else is   pride   (knowledge puffeth up.  1 Cor. 8:1)

                                                            2.      Knowledge in any and every subject is based upon the   character   and being of God

                                                            3.      Knowledge not based upon God is illustrated in the song: “The   foolish   man built his house upon the   sand  ”

B.      Information that is not based upon God creates a   fool  .

III.   Fools   despise   Wisdom   and   Instruction  

A.     Definition of a Fool:  “The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God.” Ps. 14:1  “no”  “to be nothing”

                                                            1.      Regardless of one’s successes or education, if he denies the existence of God or the Control of God, he is a   fool  

                                                            2.      One can tell a fool by his   actions   not his words

B.      Description of a Fool

                                                            1.      Despises   Wisdom  

Wisdom:  The skillful use of knowledge

                                                            2.      Despises   Instruction   :Teaching by Discipline

NOTE:   We must remember the intent of this passage:  All information not based upon God is useless for   eternity's   sake

C.     Relationship to a Fool (Psalm 1:1)

Conclusion:  Through Today’s Sermon, the Holy Spirit has revealed to me these truths which I will, through the Holy Spirit’s prompting and power, endeavor to incorporate into my personal testimony