The Fear of the Lord - What is it?
Although the word 'fear' can carry the idea of fright or terror in everyday speech, in Scripture it commonly encompasses reverence, awe, and deep respect for God’s holiness, power, and authority.
The Foundational Principle of Wisdom and Knowledge
One of the most cited verses on this topic declares:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. - Proverbs 1:7
Similarly, the psalmist states:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. - Psalm 111:10
These verses suggest that an attitude of reverent fear toward God is the gateway through which true spiritual knowledge and wisdom flow. Rather than being mere intellectual understanding, biblical knowledge here includes moral discernment—seeing life from God’s point of view and living accordingly.
A Reverential Awe, Not Mere Terror
Although 'fear' in our modern sense may carry negative connotations, in the Bible it usually expresses a posture of respect and honor toward God. Indeed, the same One who is all-powerful, holy, and just is also loving, merciful, and kind:
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. - Psalm 103:11,13
These verses reveal that 'the fear of the Lord' is entwined with God’s compassion—those who stand in awe of His holiness can also trust in His fatherly pity and loving-kindness. Thus, biblical fear is not sheer dread; rather, it is a reverential posture that recognizes God’s rightful authority and the believer’s humble dependence on Him.
Motivation for Obedience and Righteous Living
Scripture often connects 'the fear of the Lord' with turning away from sin and walking in righteousness:
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil. - Proverbs 16:6
Rather than merely performing external rites, someone who truly fears the Lord seeks to honor Him in daily behavior. This reverent fear helps guard hearts against sinful choices and prompts believers to align their lives with God’s righteous commands:
Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. - Psalm 128:1
According to this psalm, blessing and flourishing result from living in a manner consistent with godly fear.
Source of Blessing and Confidence
Paradoxically, fearing the Lord engenders great confidence and hope. The scriptures highlight multiple blessings associated with it:
O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. - Psalm 34:9
Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord. - Psalm 34:11
These verses emphasize that those who fear the Lord lack nothing truly needful, and learning to fear Him becomes part of instructing others in the right way of life.
Acknowledgment of God's Holiness
Central to the idea of the fear of the Lord is a deep recognition of God’s utter holiness. When people in Scripture encountered God's glory, their reaction often included fear and trembling—showing that to stand in God’s presence brings a sense of awe at His perfection. Yet, this holy God calls believers to approach Him with reverence and also with confidence in His mercy:
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire. - Hebrews 12:28-29
'Godly fear' here aligns with a profound respect for God’s holy nature, recognizing that He is both just and gracious.
An Ongoing Attitude in the Christian Life
While some might associate fear of the Lord with the Old Testament only, the New Testament encourages believers to maintain a sense of reverent awe toward God:
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. - Philippians 2:12
This verse points out that even under the new covenant, Christians are to walk carefully before God, recognizing the seriousness of living in a holy manner and stewarding the gift of salvation faithfully.
The Balance with God's Love
Scripture balances the concept of 'fearing the Lord' with the truth of God’s immeasurable love. Though believers are called to stand in awe and reverence toward God’s holiness, they are also welcomed into His loving presence. One can have both a loving relationship with the Lord and a deep reverence for His character:
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. - 1 John 4:18
This verse focuses on the type of fear associated with punishment or dread. For believers, God’s perfect love provides security, yet does not negate the essential biblical teaching that we honor Him with reverential awe. Rather, it points to the assurance we have in Him: We can revere Him without being terror-stricken.
Summary and Reflection
In summary, 'the fear of the Lord' is not about cringing or hiding from an angry deity. It is an invitation to recognize God for who He is—mighty Creator, holy King, and merciful Father—and to respond by living in humble obedience and awe. This reverential fear:
- Grounds a believer in wisdom and knowledge,
- Encourages righteous living and obedience,
- Invites God’s blessing and demonstrates confidence in His goodness,
- Reflects awareness of His holiness,
- Continues as a guiding principle in the Christian life,
- Balances with the believer’s assurance of God’s boundless love.
Ultimately, embracing a healthy fear of the Lord elevates a person’s view of God and nurtures an intimate yet reverential relationship, marked by love, respect, obedience, and a heartfelt desire to honor the One who first loved us.