Why do some Bible verse teach there is 'no fear in love', but other verses seem to say the opposite?
I am referring to the following verses: Proverbs 9:10: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." Proverbs 1:7: Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, As contrasted with: 1 John 4.18: (Aramaic Bible in Plain English) "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear is by suspicion, but he who fears is not grown up in love." 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind".
Proverbs 9:10
ESV - 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
Clarify
•
Share
•
Report
•
Asked October 08 2014
•
Georg Kouz
Supporter
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
Georg Kouz
Supporter
Reading many other verses in the Greek Bible regarding fear/love, I believe I've got the correct meaning. Fear of losing God’s approval is not only healthy, it is the beginning of wisdom. The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else. In some other Greek Bible verses you get the meaning “ I fear God, yet am not afraid of Him.”
Jeanette Green
Supporter
The fear of the Lord spoken of in Proverbs, is a reverent fear, a respect. The spirit of fear spoken of in Timothy is the spirit of fear, given in your mind by the enemy or Satan. That scripture plainly says that God did not give you the spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and of a sound mind. Holy Spirit would never gives us a spirit of anything contrary to the fruit of the Spirit!
Charles Yohanna
Supporter
My opinion is that the fear in Proverbs refers to reverence or to do obeisance to the Lord while the fear in 2 Timothy connotes intimidation which is rooted to satanic harassment or faithlessness. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom means respect for God by obeying his laws and commandments.
Add your Answer
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
- Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
- Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
- Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
- Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
- For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible