Fear of Wisdom

(Proverbs 14:16 KJV)  A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

When I began reading this chapter today I started in verse 27 which talks about the “fear of the Lord” in a positive way.  Here we see the idea again except that the NASB translates “feareth” as “cautious” (3372a).  Notice that the fear is not directed toward “evil” (7451b).  We are to beware of evil.  We are to avoid evil.  We are to even to hate evil.

(Psalms 97:10 KJV)  Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

But fear is reserved for the Lord.  That is because this fear has the element of reverence and respect.  It comes from knowing the character of God.  It brings a willing obedience because of our high regard for God. 

We don’t respond to evil that way.

So?  Stay out of dark alleys and avoid the bad part of town.  That isn’t so much fear as wisdom.  Get close to God.  Him you can fear.