TEXT: Proverbs 1:7, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom

and instruction."
TOPIC: HOW TO FEAR GOD WITHOUT BEING AFRAID OF HIM

What is the difference between Afraid and Fear?

Fear and afraid being two interlinked words that are very closely related to one another, one
often tends to forget the correct usage of these two terms. However, knowing the difference
between the two will somewhat lend a helping hand in using these two words appropriately in
the relevant contexts.

• Fear is a noun. Afraid is an adjective.

• Fear is an emotion experienced when encountered with a threat. Afraid is the feeling of fear.

• Afraid can also be used to express regret, concern or to express reluctance. Fear cannot be
used to express these feelings.

• Fear tends to trigger extreme reactions in the individual experiencing the emotion. Being afraid
does not always trigger extreme reactions.

• Fear is one of the basic set of emotions felt by a human being. Afraid is a word that sprouts
from the word fear.
Without doubt, this has to be one of the most misunderstood verses in the bible. People read this and
believe that God wants all of us cowering in terror lest He strike us dead or afflict us with some horrible
fate. Nothing could be further from the truth. God does not want us living in terror of Him. He does want
us to be free of all fears. Throughout the bible, whenever God or one of His messengers has a direct
encounter with someone, the first thing done is to tell the person that they have no need to be afraid. God
tells people often, " fear not ," " be not afraid ," or " have no fear ." So it looks obvious that being
afraid is something that God wants us to stop. Let us have a look at why. Is it good to be afraid of
God?
 Fear of God that is so strong that it prevents us from drawing close to him is not good
fear at all. We’re allowed to identify and reject that fear as a negative influence in our lives. The
truth is that God loves us and that all of his power and might and glory are offered to us for our
enjoyment and healing.
 God does not want us living in terror of Him. He does want us to be free of all fears.
Throughout the bible, whenever God or one of His messengers has a direct encounter with
someone, the first thing done is to tell the person that they have no need to be afraid