The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:10)

The concepts of fear and hate need some examination, given how absurdly abused they are in common culture. Supposedly, any idea based on fear is irrational and all hate is hateful. But appropriate fear and appropriate hate are necessary parts of a good life. Let me explain.

1. Appropriate Fear in a Dangerous World

Fear what is fearful and nothing else

2. The Fear of the Lord

See Proverbs 1:7; 2:5; 5:12; 9:10; 15:33; Psalm 111:10

  Now all has been heard;
    here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
    for this is the duty of all mankind.
 For God will bring every deed into judgment,
    including every hidden thing,
    whether it is good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

Jesus on fear: Luke 12:4-7

Escaping the fear of God’s judgment through faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16-18)

3. The Fear of the Lord and Holy Hatred

Hate what is evil in the fear of God

Proverbs 8:13; Revelation 2:16; Luke 14:26-27; Matthew 10:16-21

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,     and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:10)
The concepts of fear and hate need some examination, given how absurdly abused they are in common culture. Supposedly, any idea based on fear is irrational and all hate is hateful. But appropriate fear and appropriate hate are necessary parts of a good life. Let me explain.
1. Appropriate Fear in a Dangerous World
Fear what is fearful and nothing else
2. The Fear of the Lord
See Proverbs 1:7; 2:5; 5:12; 9:10; 15:33; Psalm 111:10
  Now all has been heard;     here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments,     for this is the duty of all mankind.   For God will bring every deed into judgment,     including every hidden thing,     whether it is good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
Jesus on fear: Luke 12:4-7
Escaping the fear of God’s judgment through faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16-18)
3. The Fear of the Lord and Holy Hatred
Hate what is evil in the fear of God
Proverbs 8:13; Revelation 2:16; Luke 14:26-27; Matthew 10:16-21

Truth Tribe with Douglas Groothuis is a podcast dedicated to finding the truth through reason, and evidence about what matters most. Our subjects include how to defend the Christian faith (through apologetics), biblical ethics, and social issues.

Truth Tribe with Douglas Groothuis

Truth Tribe with Douglas Groothuis is a podcast dedicated to finding the truth through reason, and evidence about what matters most. Our subjects include how to defend the Christian faith (through apologetics), biblical ethics, and social issues.

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