Wisdom is a beneficial informant vs. fear is a terrible spiritual dictator
• Heights (avoid getting too close to a cliff > never traveling on a plane)
• Abandonment (seek marriage counseling > smother/push them away)
• Pain (cautious around a hot oven > never make a home-cooked meal)
• Lack (budgeting/saving money > hoarding/not blessing others)
• Danger (won’t attack a grisly bear > never enjoy a walk in the woods)
• “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself” Franklin D. Roosevelt

Why would God tell us to fear Him when we’re also told in 2 Timothy 1:7 that “God has not given us a spirit of fear?”

• You can’t have intimacy with someone you are scared of
• We should be terrified of being far from His presence, will, and favor

Who is God? Holy, majestic, just, glorious, faithful, good, present, Father, Savior, Helper, powerful, love, eternal, healer, self-sufficient, righteous, gracious, unchanging, all-knowing, wise, perfect, merciful, sovereign, creator, etc.

~200 Scriptures: The Fear Of The Lord Is The Beginning Of
• A clean heart and motives (Psalm 19:8-9)
• No lack for His saints (Psalm 34:9)
• Wisdom and understanding (Psalm 111:10)
• Healing and refreshment (Proverbs 3:5-8)
• Mercies for generation after generation (Luke 1:49-50)
• Freedom from the fear of man (Galatians 1:10)
• Being kept safe (Proverbs 29:25)
• The foundation of life and a secure fortress/refuge (Proverbs 14:26-27)
• Prosperity, confiding trust, and revelation of His covenant (Ps 25:12-14)
• Life and satisfying rest (Proverbs 19:23)
• The rejection of idolatry and sinful pleasure (Romans 1:21-25)
• Your life/days being lengthened (Proverbs 10:27)
• Respecting others, including authority (1 Peter 2:13-17)
• Hating pride, arrogance, and evil/perverted speech (Proverbs 8:13)
• Generational blessings, wealth, and a long-lasting legacy (Ps 112:1-3)
• Friendship with the Lord (Psalm 25:14)

• You can not educate yourself into awe, honor, and submission to God
• 40+ distinct promises reserved only those who CHOSE to fear the Lord
• Even the best-laid road trip plans can not overcome an unturned key!