Fear of the Lord, The Holy Spirit's First and Final Gift

Psalm 111:2-4; 6-10

Great are the works of the Lord,

    studied by all who delight in them.

Full of honour and majesty is His work,

    and His righteousness endures forever.

He has gained renown by His wonderful deeds;

    the Lord is gracious and merciful . . .

. . . He has shown his people the power of His works,

    in giving them the heritage of the nations.

The works of His hands are faithful and just;

    all His precepts are trustworthy.

They are established forever and ever,

    to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.

He sent redemption to His people;

    He has commanded His covenant forever.

    Holy and awesome is His name.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

• Fear of the Lord is not an emotion. It is the acknowledgment in word and deed that the world is in God's hands. (see the Hebrew midwives who refuse Pharoah's command to kill the newborn sons of the Jews). 
• Fear of the Lord = filial obedience, but ≠ slavish or feudal obedience. It is the loyalty, respect, and trust a cherished son or daughter places in their parents. 
• Fear of the Lord is a marker that someone can be trusted. (See Joseph imparting to his brothers that he wishes them no harm or Jonah defending his goodness to the sailors on a stormy sea).

The Hebrew word for "fear" (yirah) actually means many things:

• Awe
• Amazement
• Astonishment
• Worship
• (But also dread or anxious anticipation)
• Linked etymologically to the word for "seeing" (ra'ah)

Most Rev. Arthur J. Serratelli, p. 79 - 81

"The Fear of the Lord: Joy-Filled Awe in the Presence of God"

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit