The Fear of God: Restraint and Direction in Righteousness

What man is he that feareth Yahweh? The fear of God operates as a restraining influence upon the heart. Once planted there, this sacred fear directs us toward all actions acceptable to Elohim and corrects our evil doings. The love of God compels us forward through constraining power; the fear of God restrains us backward, keeping us from offending Him—one like a spur, the other like a bridle.

Consider Joseph, enticed by his mistress toward wickedness, who answered: "How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" This filial fear, rooted in love rather than servile fear born of punishment alone, preserves the soul through continual remembrance of Yahweh's presence.

The Psalmist promises four benefits to those who fear God. Elohim heaps grace upon grace: He pardons first, then directs the forgiven man. No sooner does He receive any soul into His favor than He assumes both protection and direction of that life.

Yet many deceive themselves, believing any religion or manner of living leads to heaven. They ride and post toward destruction, unaware of their trajectory. The natural man cannot apprehend things pertaining to Elohim's kingdom—they are spiritually discerned. Therefore, choosing the good way and refusing the evil way rests not in human willing or running, but in Adonai who showeth mercy. Moses himself chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than enjoy the pleasures of sin.