"Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin."
The beginning of Wisdom is the FEAR OF GOD! Why should the fear of God remain in us? Is it a healthy and wise thing to fear God? What else would keep us from sinning? What is it that keeps us from doing whatever our minds can conceive of or desire? What stops us from stealing, murdering, committing adultery or any other sin we can think of? Where does our sense of morality and acceptable social behavior come from? How is it that deep in our heart or soul we know that we should not sin or keep on sinning? How can we pass God's test and stop sinning?
The Lord gave His ten commandments in a dramatic way to Moses. There was thunder and lightning, smoke and the sound of trumpets. The people trembled with fear at the sights and sounds and stayed at a safe distance. They believed that if God spoke directly to them they would die. Moses answered this fear with the truth for today. Do not be afraid when you are tested by God. The reverential fear of God was placed in you by the Lord to keep you from sinning and being separated from Him. You will be tested in this lifetime and your love and knowledge and acceptance of the Lord will keep you from sinning. If you fear God you will pass the test!
The reverential fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Respect for God and His Word are understood by his followers and believer's. This is what separates good God fearing people from evil, sinning people. There is a test for our flesh and the fear of God is what allows us to pass that test and avoid sinning. Those who do not know God have no fear of Him and thus they have no respect for Him. Non believer's have no constraints and they believe anything goes. They sin without measure. The problem is that we are all responsible for our choices and actions and we will reap what we sew. Bad acts lead to bad results and a harvest of sin and death. The reverent fear of God is what keeps believer's from sinning and the separation and death that comes as a result of non belief. If you want a good life now and eternally then learn to have REVERENT FEAR of the Lord and stop sinning!
