The concept of "fearing the LORD" is a central theme throughout the Bible, encapsulating a profound reverence and awe for God that influences a believer's life and conduct. This fear is not merely an emotional response but a foundational aspect of a relationship with God, characterized by obedience, worship, and trust.

Biblical Foundation

The fear of the LORD is introduced early in the Scriptures and is consistently emphasized as a key to wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" . This verse highlights that true wisdom begins with a proper reverence for God, acknowledging His holiness, power, and authority.

In Deuteronomy 10:12, Moses instructs the Israelites, "And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul" . Here, fearing the LORD is linked with loving and serving Him wholeheartedly, indicating that fear and love are not mutually exclusive but complementary in a believer's life.

Characteristics of Godly Fear

1. Reverence and Awe: Fearing the LORD involves recognizing His majesty and holiness. Isaiah 6:5 captures the prophet Isaiah's response to God's holiness: "Woe is me, for I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts" . This encounter with God's holiness evokes a deep sense of awe and humility.

2. Obedience: A genuine fear of the LORD results in obedience to His commandments. Ecclesiastes 12:13 summarizes this duty: "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind" . Obedience is a natural outflow of reverence for God's authority.

3. Trust and Dependence: Fearing the LORD also involves trusting in His provision and protection. Psalm 34:9 encourages believers, "Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing" . This trust is rooted in the understanding that God is both sovereign and good.

4. Hatred of Evil: Proverbs 8:13 declares, "To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech" . A proper fear of the LORD leads to a rejection of sin and a pursuit of righteousness.

Learning to Fear the LORD

The process of learning to fear the LORD is both a divine work and a personal responsibility. God promises to teach His people this fear. In Psalm 25:12, it is written, "Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose" . This instruction is often facilitated through Scripture, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Parents are also instructed to teach their children to fear the LORD. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up" . This generational transmission of faith ensures that the fear of the LORD is perpetuated within the community of believers.

The Fear of the LORD in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the fear of the LORD continues to be an essential aspect of the Christian life. Acts 9:31 describes the early church: "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers" . This fear is not diminished by the revelation of God's grace through Jesus Christ but is deepened as believers understand the magnitude of God's love and justice.

Philippians 2:12-13 exhorts believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose" . This passage underscores the seriousness of the Christian walk and the reverence due to God as He works within believers to fulfill His purposes.

Conclusion

The fear of the LORD is a multifaceted concept that encompasses reverence, obedience, trust, and a rejection of evil. It is foundational to a life of wisdom and is cultivated through divine instruction and personal devotion. As believers grow in their understanding of God's character and His works, their fear of the LORD deepens, shaping their lives in accordance with His will.