Proverbs 9:10 AMP
[10] The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom [its starting point and its essence], And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding and spiritual insight.
One verse, but one full of wisdom for all who will be guided by its directives. We start with the man credited with the words of the verse above, and we are certain of his credentials. He was a man who was loved and so named by God, and, seeing the example of his father, sought the face of God for help, because he knew that being a king required more than just a sense of your own importance, or pride in your achievements, possession, position or privilege. For Solomon, it was a clear, obvious understanding that he needed the help of God for the role he had just undertaken, and he made sure he did what he could to attract God's attention. For all who desire to make impact, the path to this desire lies in a fervent search for God. Anyone who seeks to make a change has to first undergo a change of heart and life by the One who makes such change possible.
Solomon must have feared God at the time the words above were written. He offered so many sacrifices that we have not been able to find an equivalent value today. What is the price I am willing to pay to guarantee God's hand upon my life? What are the things I need to give up in order to get to the place where God wants me to be? One of the things I need on this journey of life is a clear understanding of who God is, what He does, what He can do, and the things He demands from me. It is only healthy that I know these things, so that I can be guided appropriately. Why would I bring judgment on myself due to ignorance or even carelessness? This is the basis of the word 'fear'. There is a good version and a bad one. The fearful, according to Revelation, will have their part in the lake of fire, but there is a good fear that is based on reverence for and awe of God.
Let it be clear that whoever or whatever you fear holds total control over you; whatever is commanded, you will obey, usually under compulsion. However, God does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill. He wants me to choose Him of my own freewill; to love and honour Him out of a heart that knows who He is. This knowledge of God will help me fear Him the right way. It is not a surprise that the verse above refers to the knowledge of the Holy One as understanding and spiritual insight. This good fear is healthy, a and keeps me from making the same mistake that men like Ananais made, or women like Jezebel made. This good fear opens all other doors of favour and blessings for me. This good fear helps keep me grounded and focused on pleasing God, to the exclusion of all others. It is critical thst I know God: He is a loving and kind Father, but He is also the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He can kill and also bring to life. He needs to be feared the right way, and also held in awe. Do you know Him? Does He know you? God's time of favour is here.
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