"Blessed is the person who fears Yahveh and has a great desire for
His commandments." Psalms 112:1
So often we think of fear as a negative emotion and try to eliminate it. However, by doing so we
lose sight of the fact that fear can also be constructive. The church has often been criticized for advocating the fear of
God. This criticism may be justified if we were conditioned to think of Him as someone holding a huge club, ready to beat
a sinner to a pulp for doing something wrong.
Fear of Yah should be understood to mean the fear of the harmful consequences that are inherent in
violating His instructions. The Psalmist reminds us that wickedness itself destroys the wicked person. (Psalms 34:22)
"Blessed is the person who fears Yahveh" is one who "has great desire for Yahveh's commandments."
(Psalms 112:1) It is only natural for us to desire the very best for ourselves and our loved ones. The realization that
observing the commandments is indeed in our best interest should constitute the "fear" that should deter us from transgressing His
Divine will.
