Godly fear, often understood as a reverent awe and respect for God, is a foundational principle for establishing and maintaining a righteous government. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where the fear of the Lord is frequently associated with wisdom, justice, and the proper exercise of authority.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of godly fear in leadership. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This verse underscores the idea that true wisdom, essential for righteous governance, begins with a reverent fear of God. Leaders who possess this fear are more likely to govern justly and wisely, recognizing their accountability to a higher authority.

In Deuteronomy 17:18-20 , God provides specific instructions for Israel's kings, emphasizing the need for them to write and read the law regularly. "It shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes." This passage highlights the connection between godly fear and adherence to divine law, suggesting that leaders who fear God will be diligent in upholding His commandments, leading to just and righteous governance.

Examples of Godly Fear in Leadership

The Bible provides numerous examples of leaders who exemplified godly fear, resulting in righteous rule. King David, despite his flaws, is often portrayed as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). His psalms frequently express a deep reverence for God, and his leadership is marked by a desire to align with God's will.

Similarly, King Jehoshaphat of Judah demonstrated godly fear by seeking the Lord's guidance and implementing judicial reforms based on divine principles. In 2 Chronicles 19:6-7 , Jehoshaphat instructs the judges, "Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. Now let the fear of the LORD be upon you." His leadership exemplifies how godly fear can lead to justice and integrity in governance.

Consequences of Lacking Godly Fear

Conversely, the absence of godly fear in leadership often results in corruption and injustice. The Bible recounts the account of King Saul, whose lack of reverence for God's commands led to his downfall. In 1 Samuel 15:22-23 , the prophet Samuel rebukes Saul, saying, "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams." Saul's failure to fear God and obey His commands ultimately led to the loss of his kingdom.

The prophet Micah also warns against leaders who lack godly fear, describing them as those who "hate good and love evil" (Micah 3:2). Such leaders are depicted as corrupt and self-serving, leading to societal decay and divine judgment.

The Role of Godly Fear in Contemporary Governance

While the biblical context primarily addresses ancient Israel, the principle of godly fear remains relevant for contemporary governance. Leaders who acknowledge their accountability to God are more likely to pursue justice, righteousness, and the common good. Romans 13:1-4 affirms that governing authorities are instituted by God and serve as His servants for good. Therefore, a government rooted in godly fear aligns itself with divine purposes, promoting peace and justice in society.

In summary, godly fear is a crucial element for righteous government, as it fosters wisdom, justice, and accountability. Biblical examples and teachings underscore the importance of reverence for God in leadership, highlighting the positive outcomes of such fear and the negative consequences of its absence.2 Samuel 23:3
The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, He that rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Faith (Preached Before the Queen at Windsor, December 5, 1865)
... devoureth the man that is more righteous than he ... He is necessary to the universe,
and the worm is ... is even more important, the Spirit of godly fear, of wholesome ...
/.../the water of life and other sermons/sermon xiii faith preached before.htm

The Confession of the Society of Friends, Commonly Called Quakers. ...
... any man less wicked, or more righteous than he was ... revelations, which we make absolutely
necessary for the ... leads into sobriety, gravity, and godly fear; in which ...
/.../the confession of the society.htm

Prayer and Obedience
... God's commandments are righteous and founded in justice and ... pledged to give us all
necessary strength of ... serve the Lord with reverence, and with godly fear. ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/ix prayer and obedience.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... cap.2). Let all the godly study to provide themselves ... ever and anon aroused by a
serious fear of the ... the Church being called holy, it is necessary to consider ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether."
All ... as God's elect are at first conversion, he hath this godly fear in his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Ananias and Sapphira.
... appear to be well founded, it is necessary to recollect ... there is one event to the
righteous and to ... we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture vi ananias and sapphira.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ...
... the hearts of believers a holy solicitude and a godly fear. ... The Lord knoweth how
to deliver the godly out of ... body, are various; but it is not necessary for our ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 9 on the righteousness.htm

The Survival of the Fittest.
... the ark; for thee I have found righteous before me in ... things not seen as yet, moved
with godly fear, prepared an ... It is necessary to remember in applying such a ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kent/the making of a nation/study iv the survival of.htm

Letter xx. Self-Examination.
... received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye ... It is not necessary, where time
is limited, to go ... Or has it been godly sorrow, which worketh repentance ...
/.../letter xx self-examination.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... 1 Peter 1:13; 1 John 2:1,2). Wherefore, though the godly have their ... 'The fear of
the ... before God (Romans 10:1-3). Wherefore, I say, it is necessary that this be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

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