Unholy fear, as depicted in the Bible, is a pervasive trait among the wicked, manifesting as a dread or terror that is devoid of reverence for God. This fear is distinct from the "fear of the Lord," which is the beginning of wisdom and is characterized by awe, respect, and submission to God's will (Proverbs 9:10). Instead, unholy fear arises from a guilty conscience, a lack of trust in God, and an awareness of impending judgment.

Biblical Instances and Descriptions

1. Fear of Judgment: The wicked are often portrayed as living in constant fear of divine retribution. Proverbs 28:1 states, "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion." This verse highlights the internal turmoil and paranoia that accompany a life of sin, where the wicked are haunted by the fear of being caught and punished, even when no immediate threat is present.

2. Fear of Man: Unholy fear also manifests as a fear of human beings rather than God. In Isaiah 51:12-13 , God rebukes His people for fearing mortal men who are like grass, instead of fearing the Lord who stretched out the heavens. This misplaced fear leads to a life of anxiety and insecurity, as the wicked prioritize human approval and threats over divine authority.

3. Fear Leading to Destruction: The Bible warns that unholy fear can lead to destructive behavior and ultimate ruin. In Job 15:20-24 , Eliphaz describes the wicked man as being in "constant torment" and "terrified by darkness," suggesting that his fear drives him to despair and self-destruction. This fear is rooted in a rejection of God and His commandments, resulting in a life devoid of peace.

4. Fear as a Consequence of Sin: Unholy fear is often a direct consequence of sin. In Genesis 3:10 , after Adam and Eve disobey God, Adam confesses, "I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid." This initial act of disobedience introduces fear into the human experience, illustrating how sin separates individuals from God and instills a fear of His presence.

5. Fear and the Absence of Faith: The wicked's fear is compounded by a lack of faith and trust in God. In Matthew 8:26 , Jesus rebukes His disciples for their fear during the storm, saying, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" While this instance involves the disciples, it underscores a broader principle: fear flourishes where faith is absent. The wicked, having rejected God, are left to face the uncertainties of life without the assurance of His protection and provision.

Theological Implications

Unholy fear serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual and psychological consequences of living apart from God. It underscores the inherent instability and insecurity of a life built on sin and rebellion. The Bible consistently contrasts this fear with the peace and confidence that come from a right relationship with God, as seen in passages like Psalm 112:7 , "He will not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD."

In summary, unholy fear is a defining characteristic of the wicked, rooted in sin and manifesting as a fear of judgment, man, and the unknown. It stands in opposition to the godly fear that leads to wisdom and life, highlighting the profound difference between those who walk in darkness and those who walk in the light of God's truth.Revelation 21:8
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Future State a Self-Conscious State.
... must say, "I am holy," or, "I am unholy," as the ... made to him in eternity, he would
fear them, if ... A third characteristic of the knowledge which every man will ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the future state a self-conscious 2.htm

part vi.
... the ordinance of God, so likewise fear on your ... Godless, unholy, without natural
affection, he feared not God, he ... in style, that a phrase characteristic of him ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part vi.htm

Mercy, Omnipotence, and Justice
... I. Let us begin with the first characteristic of God. ... the sons of God themselves
make unholy alliances and ... cast thyself into nakedness and into fear; for thou ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/mercy omnipotence and justice.htm

A Description of Heart-Purity
... flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God ... What should unholy hearts
do among those pure angelic ... 3 Purity of heart is the characteristic note of ...
/.../16 a description of heart-purity.htm

Chapter iv
... Murderers fear that they in turn will be slain by ... very manifest parallelism of the
members; the characteristic feature, at ... So the poem has an unholy savour and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter iv.htm

The Fifth Book
... for the lawless and disobedient, for the unholy, for the ... the whole truth openly for
fear of increasing ... every sales agreement has this characteristic, that the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fifth book.htm

Acts VIII
... and his response is marked by his characteristic vehemence ... of the Holy Spirit, and
aroused some fear of the ... he recovered from the dominion of his unholy passions ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts viii.htm

Jesus Only
... him who says, "Look upon me;" who says, "Fear not, I ... we are saved; else it would
be an unholy salvation ... necessary part of it, - but not the characteristic of it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bonar/gods way of peace/chapter xii jesus only.htm

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
... cheerfulness, being moved neither by fear of punishment ... and whole-souled mercy
characteristic of the ... and forbearance, are not therefore unholy, not rejected ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fifth sunday after epiphany.htm

A Compendious view of the Christian Life.
... be subject to their masters with all fear, not only ... But there is another unholy kiss,
full of poison ... they are of foolish boldness, are characteristic of those ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi a compendious view of.htm

What does it mean to have the fear of God? | GotQuestions.org

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Is there any reason to fear going into a cemetery / graveyard? | GotQuestions.org

Fear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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