Proverbs 14:26-27, True Godliness

August 26, Proverbs 14:26-27

1 John 4:13-21 “Kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation” (1 Pt. 1:5).

True Godliness

Fear of man robs of confidence. Such fear has torment. The fear of the Lord produces a true and abiding confidence because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us (Rom. 5:5).

Fear of God stands for actual godliness. It is simply another way of expressing true Saving Faith. This fear is a holy, humble, happy principle of life. It is a fear born of love. Bridges defines it as “reverence tempered with love.” Many think this strikes a discordant note, but it does not. To fear the Lord delivers from all fear (Matt. 24:35). The godly fear, but are not afraid. This is a fear that emboldens while the world’s fear “doth make cowards of us all.”

a. A Protection: Godliness is a Fortress against every evil that attacks the righteous (v.26). God is our Refuge and strength. There is a solidity about this godly fear. Here is a strong tower that both protects from and covers all our guilt. What confidence and trust Abraham showed when he offered Isaac, though he feared God (Hb. 11:7-19)! What confidence the three Hebrew youths displayed when cast into the fiery furnace! Our God whom we serve, is able to deliver us… and he will deliver us (Dn. 3:17)! In their sin, Adam and Eve fled from the presence of God (Gen. 3). Now, as God’s children, we flee to Him for refuge (Ps. 143:9). Though the heavens and earth should pass away, God’s children have a place of refuge (Ps. 46:2). “Ancient saints, confessors, and martyrs, were in this place of refuge, and they sang triumphantly while the tempest raged at the height of its fury” (Thomas). Their testimony is found in the words of the Apostle Paul, For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life,… or any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 8:38-39). Hold fast to the old saying, “Fear God, and you will have nothing else to fear.” Hallelujah!

b. A Preservation: Godliness is a Fountain (v.27) that sustains when the evil attracts (Jn. 4;  7:37-39). There is a river, the streams whereof make glad the city God. God is in the midst of her (Ps. 46:4-5). Praise God, there is a vitality about this godly fear. This is the Fountain of Life; these are the Streams of Living Water, abundant, perennial, and free to all who come and drink. Its waters have keeping and preserving power. Thank God for the Water of Life that preserves from the snares of death and roots out the power of sin. On the physical level, there is safety, security, and often long life in the service of the Lord. Yet it is the spiritual dimension that is of infinite importance. What blessedness to know there is another dimension, even an eternal salvation and security (Acts 9:31)! God preserves His own from all evil, and keeps them in His perfect peace. The Eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms (Dt. 33:27).

Thought: “It is only the fear of God that can deliver us from the fear of man.”

Prayer: Lord, let there be no fear but of Thee.