Fear

In the biblical context, fear is a multifaceted concept that encompasses both reverence and terror. The Bible frequently addresses fear, distinguishing between the fear of the Lord, which is considered a virtue, and the fear of man or circumstances, which is often depicted as a weakness or sin.

The "fear of the Lord" is a recurring theme in Scripture, signifying a deep respect, reverence, and awe for God's power and authority. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This type of fear is foundational to a righteous life, leading to wisdom, obedience, and a deeper relationship with God. It is not about being afraid of God but recognizing His majesty and holiness.

Conversely, the Bible warns against the fear of man and worldly anxieties. In Isaiah 41:10, God reassures His people, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." This verse highlights God's promise of support and protection, encouraging believers to trust in Him rather than succumb to fear.

The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus frequently admonishing His followers not to fear. In Matthew 10:28, He instructs, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of fearing God over human threats, reinforcing the eternal perspective that should guide a believer's life.

Plotting

Plotting, in the biblical narrative, often refers to the scheming and planning of evil deeds, typically against God's people or His purposes. The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals and groups who engage in plotting, revealing the destructive nature of such actions and God's ultimate sovereignty over human schemes.

One of the most notable instances of plotting is found in the account of Joseph and his brothers. In Genesis 37:18-20, Joseph's brothers conspire against him: "When they saw him from a distance, before he reached them, they plotted to kill him. 'Here comes that dreamer!' they said to one another. 'Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal devoured him. Then we will see what becomes of his dreams.'" Despite their malicious intent, God uses their plot to fulfill His greater plan, ultimately elevating Joseph to a position of power in Egypt and saving many lives during a famine.

The Psalms frequently address the theme of plotting, often in the context of the righteous being targeted by the wicked. Psalm 37:12-13 states, "The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming." This passage underscores the futility of plotting against God's people, as God is aware of all schemes and will bring justice in His time.

In the New Testament, the religious leaders' plot against Jesus is a central narrative. In Matthew 26:3-4, it is recorded, "At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him." Despite their plotting, Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection fulfill God's redemptive plan for humanity, demonstrating that human schemes cannot thwart divine purposes.

Throughout Scripture, plotting is consistently portrayed as an act of rebellion against God, often motivated by jealousy, fear, or a desire for power. Yet, the Bible assures believers that God is in control, and His plans will prevail despite human machinations.