The fear of the Lord is a foundational truth woven throughout the entire Bible. It is not a fear driven by terror but a holy reverence rooted in love, awe, and submission to God’s authority and majesty. This fear is essential to a right relationship with God and is directly tied to salvation, wisdom, and godly living.
What Does “The Fear of the Lord” Mean?
The “fear of the Lord” in Scripture does not imply being terrified of God as if He were cruel or unjust. Rather, it describes a deep reverence and awe, acknowledging His holiness, power, and authority, while recognizing His loving nature.
Proverbs 1:7 defines it clearly:
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
The Hebrew word for “fear” (yirah) conveys both reverence and respect, combined with a trembling awareness of God’s greatness and our accountability before Him.
The Fear of the Lord and Salvation
A true fear of the Lord is essential for salvation because it leads to repentance, humility, and submission to God’s authority.
Psalm 111:10 teaches:
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.”Proverbs 14:27:
“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.”
The fear of the Lord brings life because it causes a sinner to recognize their need for a Savior. A person who fears the Lord understands God’s justice, holiness, and the reality of judgment. However, it is this same fear that draws a person to seek His mercy and grace.
2 Corinthians 7:1 emphasizes this purification:
“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
The Difference Between Fear of God and Being Terrified
The Bible clarifies that the fear of the Lord is not rooted in terror because God is love. He desires relationship, not distance, from His people.
1 John 4:18:
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”
This fear is not the dread of punishment for those who are in Christ, but a reverent submission to His authority and a desire to honor Him fully.
Fear in the Old Testament:
Exodus 20:20 – “Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin.”
Psalm 34:9 – “Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him.”
Fear in the New Testament:
Hebrews 12:28-29 – “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.”
This godly fear brings reverence and motivates us to live righteously, rather than shrinking back in terror.
The Fear of the Lord Produces Wisdom and Blessing
Reverence for God is the foundation for true wisdom and understanding. Wisdom comes not just from intellectual knowledge but from living in submission to God’s truth.
Proverbs 9:10:
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”Psalm 25:14:
“The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant.”
The fear of the Lord leads to godly wisdom because it aligns our hearts with His truth and causes us to seek His ways over the world’s wisdom.
The Fear of the Lord Leads to Righteous Living
Fearing the Lord shapes how we live. It cultivates holiness, humility, and obedience.
Proverbs 8:13:
“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.”Ecclesiastes 12:13:
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.”
The fear of the Lord teaches us to avoid sin, not out of terror but out of a reverent desire to honor Him. It motivates moral integrity, kindness, and humility in all areas of life.
The Fear of the Lord and God’s Fatherhood
A proper fear of the Lord views God as a loving Father who disciplines out of love for our good.
Proverbs 3:11-12:
“My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction; For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.”Hebrews 12:9-10:
“Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?”
This fear leads to trust, for God’s discipline comes from His perfect love and desire for our growth, not from cruelty or wrath.
The Fear of the Lord and Our Relationship with Christ
Jesus embodied the perfect fear of the Lord, walking in full reverence and submission to the Father.
Isaiah 11:2-3 (prophecy about Christ):
“The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. His delight is in the fear of the LORD.”
Jesus taught His followers to fear God properly:
Matthew 10:28:
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Yet, Christ also invited believers into close relationship, calling them friends and children of God:
John 15:15:
“No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends.”
My Final Thoughts
The fear of the Lord is not a crippling terror but a reverent awe that draws us closer to God. It is essential for salvation, wisdom, and righteous living. This fear acknowledges His holiness, justice, and authority while resting in His love and fatherly care. As we grow in the fear of the Lord, we find life, protection, and the security of His unchanging faithfulness.
Let the fear of the Lord shape your heart, leading you into deeper intimacy with Him, a life of wisdom, and a powerful witness for Christ.
