Unholy fear, distinct from the reverential fear of the Lord, is characterized by a dread or terror that arises from a lack of faith and trust in God. This type of fear often leads individuals away from God, causing them to act in ways that are contrary to His will. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the consequences of unholy fear, including instances where God mocks those who succumb to it.

Biblical Instances of God Mocking Unholy Fear

1. Proverbs 1:24-26: In this passage, wisdom personified speaks of the consequences of ignoring divine counsel. The Berean Standard Bible states, "Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, because you neglected all my counsel, and wanted none of my correction, in turn I will mock your calamity; I will sneer when terror strikes you." Here, God, through wisdom, expresses disdain for those who reject His guidance, highlighting that their unholy fear will lead to their downfall, and He will mock their distress.

2. Psalm 2:4: This psalm describes the futility of nations and rulers who conspire against the Lord. The BSB reads, "The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them." The laughter and taunting of God signify His supreme power and the absurdity of fearing earthly powers over Him. This divine mockery underscores the foolishness of unholy fear that disregards God's sovereignty.

3. Isaiah 44:9-11: In this passage, the prophet Isaiah speaks against idol makers, emphasizing the futility and fear associated with idol worship. The BSB states, "All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame." God mocks the fear-driven actions of idolaters, revealing the emptiness of their pursuits and the shame that follows.

Theological Implications

Unholy fear is rooted in a lack of faith and understanding of God's nature. It often leads individuals to seek security in things other than God, such as idols, human wisdom, or earthly power. This misplaced fear is not only irrational but also offensive to God, who desires His people to trust in Him fully.

The mockery of God in response to unholy fear serves as a powerful reminder of His omnipotence and the futility of fearing anything apart from Him. It is a call to repentance and a return to a proper fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). By mocking unholy fear, God exposes its absurdity and invites His people to embrace a faith that is rooted in His unchanging character and promises.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts and identify areas where unholy fear may have taken root. This involves a conscious effort to replace fear with faith, trusting in God's provision, protection, and plan. Scripture memorization, prayer, and fellowship with other believers are practical steps to combat unholy fear and cultivate a healthy, reverential fear of the Lord.

In summary, unholy fear is a destructive force that leads individuals away from God. Through His mockery, God reveals the folly of such fear and calls His people to a deeper trust in Him. By understanding and addressing unholy fear, believers can grow in their faith and live in the freedom and peace that comes from a proper fear of the Lord.Proverbs 1:26
I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear comes;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... covenant and cause, most holy things to maintain unholy or common ... Do we mock God
as one mocks another? ... meddle not with such, if thou either fear God or respect ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Chapter iii
... not a clean and holy perceiving but an unholy lusting. ... All true fear of God and love
of Him has, of ... what woman the Saviour was to be born, God mocks the tempter ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter iii.htm

The Meek and Lowly One
... sitting down with sinners, conversing with the unholy and the ... Lord's character, I
propose to conclude, if God shall help ... you with a smile, and say, "Fear not. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the meek and lowly one.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... is ground to fear, that the iniquity of this generation will be pursued with heavy
judgments: but that will not hinder what we have supposed. God took him a ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... doctrine well believed, where would there be a place for a doubt, or a fear of the ...
in it; for this is it that, above all arguments, can draw the soul to God. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... His righteousness; I have "counted His blood an unholy thing"; I ... but death; to go
forward is fear of death ... down upon his knees, he asked God's forgiveness for ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

The Strait Gate;
... Psalm 5:5) The foolish are the unholy ones, that ... wherefore, without more words, I
will, God assisting by his ... be that find it." (Matthew 7:14) "Fear not, little ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the strait gate.htm

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