Who are those who fear the LORD? (Psalms 25:12-22)

A. God’s promise to those who fear the LORD  (12-14)

12 Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.
13 He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land.
14 The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. 

B. The present situation of those who fear the LORD (15-19)

15 My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish.
18 Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins.
19 See how my enemies have increased and how fiercely they hate me! t. 

C. The hope of those who fear the LORD (20-22)

Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant. For the sake of your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. 

109:28 They may curse, but you will bless; when they attack they will be put to shame, but your servant will rejoice.

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. (John 9:1-3)

Summary

To fear the LORD is different from to be scared of the LORD for his punishment or unreasonable demand. Rather, it is to recognize the LORD as the Supreme Being in strength, holiness and love. Fearing the LORD gives you peace and hope, so then you do not need to be scared of punishment.

For Discussion

1) What is the difference between fearing the Lord and to be scared of the Lord?
2) What kind of hope will be granted to those who fear the LORD ?