FEAR JEHOVAH AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS -Turn Away From Bad

Turn Away From Bad

The Bible explains that  "the fear of Jehovah means the hating of bad."  (Proverbs 8:13)  A Bible lexicon describes this hatred as "an emotional attitude toward persons and things which are opposed, detested, despised and with which one wishes to have not contact or relationship."  So godly fear includes an inner aversion or disgust toward all that is bad in Jehovah's eyes.  (Psalm 97:10)  It impels us to turn aside from bad, just as we would back away from the edge of a cliff when our instinctive fear sounds the alarm.  "In the fear of Jehovah one turns away from bad," says the Bible. -Proverbs 126:6.

We can reinforce this wholesome fear and hatred for what is bad by considering the harmful consequences that sin inevitably brings.  The Bible assures us that we will reap what we sow -whether we sow according to the flesh or according to the spirit.  (Galatians 6:7, 8) For this reason Jehovah graphically described the inevitable results of disregarding his true worship.  Without divine protection, the small, vulnerable nation of Israel would be at the mercy of cruel and powerful neighbors.  (Deuteronomy 28:15, 45-48)  The tragic outcome of Israel's disobedience was recorded in detail in the Bible "for a warning" so that we can learn the lesson and cultivate godly fear. -1 Corinthians 10:11.

Next time: Conclusion of FEAR JEHOVAH AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS - Turn Away From Bad

The Watchtower, 2001