1. Introduction
Proverbs

2. Theme of Proverbs
“To fear the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” 1:7
“To fear the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” 9:10
Additional wisdom literature confirms Solomon’s conclusion. Ecc. 12:13-14 “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. ….”

3. Fear of the Lord Is the beginning of knowledge Motivator
A starting point but not an end
Motivator
Fear of injury prevents us from some activities
Fear of the consequences of sin discourages participation
Creates a cautious reminder
Rahab
Gibeonites
Paralyzer
Totally causing one to halt
Children of Israel at Sinai

4. Is the beginning of knowledge
God’s wisdom will guide and lead us
Pr. 6:22-23 “…the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life.”
Ps. 119:105 “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Fear of the Lord gives strong confidence and honor – Pr. 14:26
Pr. 15:16 “It is better to have little with fear of the Lord than to be riche and lose it all at death.”
Pr. 29:25 “The fear of man brings a snare: but whoso puts his trust in the Lord shall be safe.”
Pr. 15:33 “Wisdom’s instruction is to fear of the Lord, and humility comes before honor.”

5. Is the beginning of knowledge
Fear of the Lord gives strong confidence and honor– Pr. 14:26
Pr. 31:30-31 “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised…”

6. What does it mean to fear the Lord?
It means to hate evil – Pr. 8:13
Pr. 22:3-4 “The prudent sees danger and hides himself…”
Pr. 16:6 “…by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.”
It means to trust in the Lord – Pr. 3:5-7
Pr. 14:12 “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
It means to keep His commandments – Pr. 2:1-5
Pr. 19:16 “Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life…”

7. Faults without the fear of the Lord
He deceives himself that his wisdom is best – Pr. 16:25
Pr. 12:15 “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
He is confident that his evil will not reap sorrow – Pr 14:16
Pr. 10:23 “Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.”
He mocks at sin – Pr. 14:9
“Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance.”

8. Two destinies of life
Those who fear the Lord will find happiness – Pr. 3:13-18
Pr. 3:1-4 “…for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.”
Trouble follows the fool who rejects God’s wisdom – Pr. 28:14
Pr. 13:13 “Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.”

9. Individuals who feared the Lord
Job
Joseph
Joshua
Daniel

10. Examples who failed to fear the Lord
Balaam
Jeroboam
Nebuchadnezzar
Herod