Proverbs 8:13
[13] The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
I’m wondering, if asked, how many here would say they hate evil? Most if not all, would likely answer, “Yes. I hate evil. I hate pride. I hate the evil way. I hate the froward mouth.” Then His word says THIS “to hate evil” IS to fear the Lord and the beginning of wisdom. Job 28:28 “And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”
If asked, How many would answer they are fully conscious that we are to depart from evil? Again His word says this “departing from evil” is wisdom. Psalm 19:9-11 “The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. [10] More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. [11] Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.”
Some key words there: The fear of the Lord “is clean”. Consider Genesis 35:2 “Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:” and John 15:3-4 “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. [4] Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.”
“The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever.” Love believes all things, Hopes all things, And endures all things.
By fear: thy servant is warned.
Psalm 25:14
[14] The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. — “the Revelation of Jesus Christ 1 Peter 1:13
[13] Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Psalm 33:18-19
[18] Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; [19] To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Amos 8:11 “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God , that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord :” to deliver their soul from death ...Hebrews 2:15 “And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
Proverbs 16:6-7
[6] By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil. [7] When a man's ways please the Lord , he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
There is nothing wrong with fearing the Lord but in fear of the Lord, is life. 1 John 4:18 is a salvation verse. 1 John 4:18 is a “the Revelation of Jesus Christ” verse. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”
Perfect love which IS Christ cast out “torment”. perfect love casts out death. perfect love casts out the curse. Perfect love cast out evil in light of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. perfect love brings peace and a sound mind. perfect love reveals His covenant of peace. He that has “torment” has not been made clean yet, has not changed their garments yet, and has not been made perfect in Christ.