“Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (111:10 Today’s NIV)
“‘Should you not fear me?’ declares the LORD. ‘Should you not tremble in my presence?’” (Jeremiah 5:22 Today’s NIV)
Error! Fear of God is not the beginning of wisdom. It is the beginning of insecurity.
Should I do this? Should I not do that? If I do this, will God still approve of me? I heard a whisper in my ear–was it God or the Devil? Oh my god, I’m sooooo nervous!
FEAR of God (and a dose of nitpickety-ness) causes Jewish law to define 39! categories of activities that are prohibited on the Sabbath (Shabbat), including…sewing at least two stitches (apparently one stitch is okay).
FEAR of God causes some Islamic women to dress like beekeepers.
FEAR of God causes some Catholic parents to drag their small children to Mass five times at Easter.
For improved effectiveness, this verse should read “Respect for God is the beginning of wisdom”.
Of course, God must earn our respect, not demand it, first . . . .
