(63) Fear.

The devil’s fear is torment from the mind,
The fear of the Lord is wisdom from the Word of God.

References:

  • Do not be afraid, for God has come to you only to test you and put his fear upon you, lest you should sin. (Ex 20:20)

  • The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; wisdom and instruction fools despise. (Prov 1:7)

  • (The fear of the LORD is to hate evil;) Pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth I hate. (Prov 8:13)

  • He who fears the LORD will have a happy end; even on the day of his death he will be blessed. The beginning of wisdom is fear of the LORD, which is formed with the faithful in the womb. With devoted men was she created from of old, and with their children her beneficence abides. Fullness of wisdom is fear of the LORD; she inebriates men with her fruits. Her entire house she fills with choice foods, her granaries with her harvest. Wisdom’s garland is fear of the LORD, with blossoms of peace and perfect health. Knowledge and full understanding she showers down; she heightens the glory of those who possess her. The root of wisdom is fear of the LORD; her branches are length of days. One cannot justify unjust anger; anger plunges a man to his downfall. A patient man need stand firm but for a time, and then contentment comes back to him. For a while he holds back his words, then the lips of many herald his wisdom. Among wisdom’s treasures is the paragon of prudence; but fear of the LORD is an abomination to the sinner. If you desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the LORD will bestow her upon you; For fear of the LORD is wisdom and culture; loyal humility is his delight. Be not faithless to the fear of the LORD, nor approach it with duplicity of heart. (Sir 1:11-25)

  • There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love.(1John 4:18)

  • I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: (Eph 4:1-3)

  • And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. (Matt 10:28)