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The Bible often speaks of the fear of the Lord as the foundation of wisdom. Proverbs 3:7-8 challenges us: “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.”

But what does it really mean to fear God? Is it terror? Is it respect? Is it something deeper?

The fear of the Lord is often misunderstood. Some think it means being scared of God, as though He were waiting to punish every mistake. But biblical fear of the Lord is much richer. It’s a way of life—a profound reverence for God that shapes how we think, live, and worship.

Defining the Fear of the Lord

To fear the Lord means to live with a constant awareness of His greatness, holiness, and authority. It’s not about being terrified but about holding God in such awe that it transforms how we live.

Here’s how Scripture defines it:

  • Adopting God’s Attitude Toward Evil – “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil.” (Prov. 8:13)
    → Fearing God means rejecting sin because we love what He loves and hate what He hates.

  • Turning Away from Sin – “By the fear of the Lord one departs from evil.” (Prov. 16:6)
    → Reverence for God motivates us to pursue righteousness, not out of obligation but out of love for Him.

  • Worshiping God Properly – “But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple.” (Ps. 5:7)
    → True worship flows from recognizing God’s holiness and majesty.

  • Gaining Wisdom – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Ps. 111:10)
    → Wisdom begins when we stop trusting our limited understanding and submit to God's infinite wisdom.

  • Experiencing Abundant Life – “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life.” (Prov. 14:27)
    → Fearing God brings freedom, protection, and peace, not dread.

  • Enjoying Intimacy with God – “The secret counsel of the Lord is for those who fear Him.” (Ps. 25:14)
    → Those who revere God are invited into a deeper, personal relationship with Him.

  • Growing in Holiness – “Perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Cor. 7:1)
    → Reverence for God inspires us to become more like Christ.

A Story That Illustrates Fear Turning to Reverence

In his book The Joy of Fearing God, Jerry Bridges shares a parable about a young Marine recruit named Butch McGregor.

As a recruit, Butch learned to fear his drill instructor, who had absolute authority over him. However, that fear transformed when he was assigned as the driver for General Collins, a highly respected officer. Over time, Butch grew to admire the general’s wisdom and character, and when General Collins risked his life to save Butch from a burning vehicle, his fear matured into deep respect and gratitude.

This story beautifully mirrors our relationship with God. Initially, we may fear His authority and power. But as we grow in our faith and understand His goodness, justice, and the sacrifice of Jesus, our fear transforms into reverence motivated by love.

How Should the Fear of God Affect Our Daily Lives?

Fearing God isn’t just about how we feel—it’s about how we live. Here are practical ways to cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord in your everyday life:

  1. Align Your Values with God's Truth.
    Proverbs 8:13 reminds us that fearing God means hating evil.

    • Ask yourself: Do my attitudes reflect God's heart?
    • Action Step: Regularly examine your life for habits or mindsets that God calls sinful and intentionally reject them.

  2. Turn Away from Sin.
    Proverbs 16:6 teaches that the fear of the Lord turns us from evil.

    • Sin separates us from God. Are you tolerating habits that dishonor Him?
    • Action Step: Confess sin regularly and seek accountability.

  3. Worship with Awe.
    Psalm 5:7 emphasizes worship with reverence.

    • Are you fully engaged in worship, or do you go through the motions?
    • Action Step: Prepare your heart before worship by reflecting on God's greatness and holiness.

  4. Seek God's Wisdom First.
    Proverbs 3:7 warns us not to be wise in our own eyes.

    • Do you trust God’s wisdom over your own opinions?
    • Action Step: Begin your day with Scripture and prayer, seeking His guidance before making decisions.

  5. Live with an Eternal Perspective.
    Proverbs 14:27 calls the fear of the Lord a "fountain of life."

    • Does your life reflect temporary pleasures or eternal priorities?
    • Action Step: Choose to invest in things that have lasting value—relationships, service, and personal holiness.

  6. Honor God with Your Time and Talents.

    • Fearing God means giving Him the best of yourself, not what’s leftover.
    • Action Step: Evaluate your calendar. Does God receive the best part of your energy and focus?

A Fear That Frees, Not Cripples

The fear of the Lord is not about living in terror of God’s judgment—it's about living in awe of His greatness and goodness.

It starts with a recognition of His power,
Grows into respect for His justice,
And matures into love as we experience His grace.

When we truly grasp who God is and what He has done, we don’t fear Him as a distant judge but as a holy, loving Father who deserves our full trust and obedience.