What Does It Mean to Fear the Lord?
What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase “the fear of the Lord”?
For many, fear brings negative emotions—anxiety, dread, or the thought of punishment. When I was younger, I misunderstood what it meant to fear God. I saw Him as a distant ruler, watching from above, waiting to punish mistakes. That perception made me afraid, and instead of drawing near, I turned away.
But as I grew in faith, I discovered something incredible: this fear is not about terror—it’s about reverence, awe, and relationship. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
True fear of the Lord isn’t being afraid of Him—it’s recognizing His holiness, His power, and His authority. It’s about honoring Him with our lives because we know who He is. Imagine standing before the ocean or witnessing a thunderstorm—something so vast and powerful that it humbles you. That’s the kind of reverence God calls us to have.
Let’s look at how the fear of the Lord transforms our lives.
1. The Beginning of Wisdom
We live in a world overflowing with information. But knowledge is not wisdom. Wisdom is knowing how to live rightly—how to make choices that align with God’s truth. Learn more about biblical wisdom here. The Bible tells us that wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.
Biblical Example: King Solomon
When Solomon became king, God gave him the opportunity to ask for anything. He didn’t ask for wealth or power—he asked for wisdom. Why? Because he understood that true wisdom comes from fearing the Lord.
But later in life, Solomon strayed from this. He allowed compromises, disobeyed God, and turned his heart toward other things. As a result, his wisdom faded. This teaches us a vital lesson:
✓ When we fear the Lord, we walk in wisdom.
✕ When we lose the fear of the Lord, we walk in foolishness.
How Does This Apply to Us?
- When making decisions, do you ask, “What does God say?” or “What feels right?”
- Do you seek God’s wisdom in your relationships, finances, and daily life?
- The fear of the Lord keeps us aligned with His truth.
2. Leads to Righteous Living
Proverbs 8:13 says, “The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.” That’s a strong statement. It means when we fear God, we no longer tolerate sin—not because we are forced to, but because we love Him so much that we don’t want to grieve Him.
Biblical Example: Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife
Joseph was faced with temptation when Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him. His response? “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).
Joseph didn’t say, “I might get caught,” or “This isn’t a good idea.” His first thought was God. That’s what it means to fear the Lord.
Do We Take Sin Seriously?
- Do we justify things that dishonor God?
- Are we willing to stand firm in righteousness, even when no one is watching?
- The fear of the Lord means we care about holiness—not out of obligation, but out of love.
3. Brings Intimacy with God
This might surprise you, but the fear of the Lord doesn’t push us away from Him—it draws us closer.
Psalm 25:14 says, “The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He makes known to them His covenant.”
Biblical Example: Abraham’s Obedience
When Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac, God stopped him and said, “Now I know that you fear God.” (Genesis 22:12). Abraham’s fear wasn’t about punishment—it was about trust. Because he honored and obeyed God, Abraham experienced friendship with Him.
Application: Do We Draw Near to God?
- Do we spend time in His presence, or do we treat Him casually?
- Do we listen when He speaks, or do we ignore Him?
- When we fear the Lord, we grow in intimacy and revelation.
4. The Grace of God
Some might ask, “If we are saved by grace, why do we need to fear God?”
Romans 8:15 answers this beautifully: “You did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons.”
The fear of the Lord is not about fear of punishment—it’s about love and honor. Think of a child who deeply respects their father. They don’t obey because they are scared—they obey because they trust him and want to honor him.
The Fear of the Lord is a Blessing
Psalm 128:1-2 says, “Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.”
When we fear the Lord, we are not burdened—we are blessed.
- We walk in wisdom.
- We are protected from sin.
- We experience intimacy with God.
- We live in peace and joy.
Psalm 112:1 confirms this: “Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments!”
Fearing God isn’t about losing joy—it’s about multiplying it. When we align with Him, we walk in freedom, security, and purpose.
Will You Walk in the Fear of the Lord?
God invites us into a life of wisdom, righteousness, and intimacy with Him. But it starts with reverence.
Are you walking in the fear of the Lord? Are you seeking His wisdom, honoring Him with your life, and drawing near to Him?
Let’s choose today to stand in awe of our great God—not out of fear of punishment, but out of deep love and honor.
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