The “fear of the LORD” seems like a strange term for the law God gave to Israel, but the Law was intended to teach the people of Israel to fear the Lord. “The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.” (Ps 19:9) The meaning of “fear,” here, is the archaic sense of profound respect, humility, and acceptance. This is not a sense of panic, but of deference.

This statement points out that reverential fear of the Lord is clean and endures forever. Unlike false religions that are defiled, God’s Word is undefiled and everlasting. “How blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.” (Ps 119:1)

A judge may render an inaccurate decision, but God’s judgments are true, David writes, and they are thoroughly righteous. “The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.”

One of the instructions the Lord gave to Israel’s king appears directs him to “write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. It shall be with him and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes.” (Deut 17:18–19)

If we don’t know what the Word of God says, which is His authoritative absolute truth, how will we know if we aren’t keeping with His truth? This is what Jesus means when He tells us to abide in His Word: “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.” (John 8:31)

First, the Word of God is infallible; there’s no error in His Word. The law of the Lord is perfect concerning our soul. The testimony of the Lord is not only infallible it is inerrant. “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebbuke you, and you be found a liar.” (Prov 30:5-6)

Second, the Word of God is complete. Many religions add their own books or commentaries to the Bible. All you need is God’s Word because it is the holy Word of God. It is complete. “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (Rev 22:18-19)

Third, the Word of God is totally authoritative, and is the only source for absolute divine authority. This divine authority is for you and me as servants of Jesus Christ. “Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in heaven.” (Ps 119:89)

Fourth, God’s Word is totally sufficient for all of our needs. We don’t need anything else. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16-17) If we don’t study His Word, then we must believe we are self-sufficient, which means that we are prideful.

Prov 6:16-19 clearly declares that God hates haughty eyes (a proud look), a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.

And fifth, the Word of God will accomplish what it promises. If God told you something will happen, and you wait, it will happen. “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Is 55:11)

God sent His Word to accomplish His perfect will in our lives. God’s Word is undefiled and will endure forever; He and His judgments are righteous. What keeps us in joy is sitting at His feet in His Word and in prayer, abiding in His Word. “Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.” (Ps 34:11)