At the end of his illustrious career, British Prime Minister, W. E. Gladstone (1809-1898), received an invitation to address a class of college students. After reviewing the advancements in Great Britain during his lifetime in glowing terms, one student asked, "Are there no adverse signs?" Gladstone paused and reflected, "Yes, there is one thing that frightens me. The fear of God seems to be dying out in the minds of men." The psalmist David writes, "An oracle within my heart concerning the transgression of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes" (Psalm 36:1). His son, Solomon, warns about those who reject the call of wisdom in Proverbs 1:29, "Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the Lord." The fear of the Lord is a theme that runs throughout Scripture. Note three things about the fear of the Lord.

First, note the designation of the fear of the Lord. This designation must not be glibly defined because we read in Psalm 2:11, "Serve the Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling" and in Philippians 2:12, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." 2 Corinthians 7:1 reads, "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." Proverbs 3:7 reads, "Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil." Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 reads, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil."

Second, note the description of the fear of the Lord. Psalm 19:9 reads, "The fear of the Lord is clean." Here the word "fear" is used as a synonym for the Word of God. Let's look through the Bible. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7). "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil" (Proverbs 8:13). "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). "In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge" (Proverbs 14:26). "The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death" (Proverbs 14:27). "Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, Than great treasure with trouble" (Proverbs 15:16). "The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom..." (Proverbs 15:33).

Third, note the destination of the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 19:23 reads, "The fear of the Lord leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil." Archibald Thomas (A.T.) Robertson (1863-1934) said, "Give us men in the pulpit today above all things who fear God and think the gospel is good enough for anybody and make no apology for preaching it."

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.