The Fear of the Lord is Clean and Enduring Forever

The fear of the Lord (yirah Adonai) possesses two cardinal virtues that sustain believing hearts across all generations. First, consider its purity. The fear of Yahweh stands as the only true and sound foundation for genuine social regard among men, and the only valid bond of union in domestic, private, and public life. Every believer ought to testify to the cleansing, purifying power that flows from reverential fear of the Almighty. This fear sanctifies our relationships and orders our conduct according to God's righteous character.

Second, observe its perpetuity. The psalmist declares it "enduring for ever," speaking not merely of the principle itself, but of its effects upon the transformed soul. In its operations, the fear of the Lord proves consistent, unswerving, and all-powerful. It enters into a man and travels with him wherever he goes; he cannot, nor would he wish to, cast it off. The effects are eternal—they can never pass away or diminish.

As Thomas Dale, M.A., observes, this principle shall be the source of your peace here and happiness hereafter. All may possess it through Christ. The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. We cannot fully reconcile the supremacy of Elohim with human free agency, nor should we presume to be "wise above what is written." Our duty is obedience to His command and trust in His established laws.