Articles
Healthy Fear
Proverbs 1:7a -“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge...” There are two components of healthy fear: terror and respect. True fear of God involves both. The Israelites at Mt. Sinai provide a perfect example of healthy fear. When they saw the smoke, fire, and lightning, heard the sound of a trumpet blasting, and witnessed the mountain shaking violently, they were overcome with terror (Exodus 19:16-19). However, they were also filled with respect: “... God has shown us His glory and His greatness...who is there of all flesh who has heard the voice of the living God speaking from the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?” (Deut. 5:24, 26).
Fear is the beginning of knowledge because it humbles our hearts and opens our ears. Terror grabs our attention and respect draws us close in awe. God was pleased with the Israelites’ reaction at Sinai because they were in the perfect state of mind to hear His commandments. “Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep all My commandments always, that it might be well with them and with their sons forever!” (Deut. 5:29
