What Does it Mean to Fear the Lord?

Should I fear the Lord? The Bible tells us what to fear, and it's not men.

Christians tend to struggle with the thought of fearing the Lord. They want to see him only as a loving God. While God is loving, He is also just. The Bible tells us that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). So, we are going to pursue what this actually means. We’ll answer two important questions: what does it mean to fear the Lord and how do we begin?

What is the Meaning of “the Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom”?

The Bible is clear on the meaning of the fear of the Lord. If you fear the Lord, you obtain knowledge, understanding and appreciation for our God who has power over all things. He will one day judge us for our works. How do we obtain the knowledge and wisdom that God mentions in the Bible? I’m glad you asked! The most powerful way to fully grasp God’s majestic abilities is by reading the Bible.

15 Minute Reading Plan that contains a ton of Christian resources including Bible Verses, calendars, journals, and more!

Finding a good Bible Reading Plan will help you keep on track with reading the Bible. Also, there are great commentaries and study Bibles to help you understand difficult passages of scripture. As a Christian, it’s key to getting closer to the Lord and finding meaning in your life. He has a plan for you, and your job is to find out what that plan is!

Fear of the Lord Meaning in Hebrew

The Hebrew Word for Fear is Yirah which means ‘awe’ in the Bible is yirah. While it’s typically translated into the English word fear, it can also mean respect, reverence, and worship. Are you in ‘awe’ of the Lord? He deserves our respect and admiration as He is our amazing and powerful creator!

What Does the Bible Mean by Fear of the Lord?

A healthy fear is commanded in the Bible many times. In the KJV alone, fear is found 501 times. There are 18 ‘Fear the Lord’ Bible Verses addressing this matter. As we can see, fear is discussed many times in God’s Word; in some places, fear is forbidden for a Christian. Yet, elsewhere it is encouraged when referring to God. Obviously, the difference in these cases is revealed in the original meaning and context.

How can a Christian live with a healthy fear of God? Having fear of God means we don’t want to consciously go against what He has commanded us in his Word. We may fear the Lord for two reasons: because we want to please him and abound in blessings. In addition, we also do not want to reap the consequences that we deserve from God when we sin.

It’s also being aware that you are in the presence of a holy and just God who requires honor and righteousness. A just God will hold you accountable for your actions if you don’t abide by His commands. He gives you a choice to fear Him or fear men. However, you do not choose the consequences for your choices.

What Does it Mean to be a God-fearing Person?

A God-fearing person is someone who walks with God and obeys his commandments. As the Bible says, fearing God is the beginning of wisdom. If you are not a God-fearing person, you are a fool according to Proverbs 1:7.

Whether we admit it or not, we are born with the knowledge and fear of God according to Romans 2:14-15. So, we have a choice every day to do the right thing and be a God-fearing person. If you decide to choose Jesus as your savior, your fear of God also means freedom. You are now free to choose God’s will and commands. Otherwise, Galatians 5:1 reminds us
that while Christ has made us free to stand against the bondage of sin.

Are We Supposed to Fear God?

Unless you want to be deemed as a fool, it’s critical to fear God. Why? It tells us in throughout the Bible including these Fear God Bible Verses: Deuteronomy 6:13, Proverbs 1:7, Psalms 111:10, Proverbs 19:23, and more. For those who decide not to fear the Lord, they will one day find out the hard way that it’s the worst decision to make as a human being.

Fear the Lord Bible Verses

Here are 16 Bible Verses on the Fear of the Lord. These are great examples if you are looking for references in the Bible to confirm that it is biblical to have reverence and high respect for Him. While we should not fear men, we should fear God. These passages of scripture reminds us how we can obtain wisdom and guidance in critical times of our life.

Proverbs 14:27 – The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Proverbs 14:26 – In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 8:13 – The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Proverbs 3:7 – Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Matthew 10:28 – And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 – Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Job 28:28 – And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
Psalms 33:8 – Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.

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