The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:10, BSB)

For a believer, the “fear of the Lord” is a deep reverence, awe, and respect for God’s holiness, power, and authority, leading to obedience and a turning away from evil. It’s considered the foundation of wisdom and knowledge (Proverbs 9:10), prompting humility, love, and a desire to follow His ways, thereby protecting believers from the consequences of sin. For sin always destroys faith and replaces it with the fear of evil, and this fear always comes to man when he sins.

There was a man in the land of Uz named Job. And this man was blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil (Job 1:1, BSB). How did Job manifest his fear of God? In obedience to God’s commandments, in trust and confidence in God’s unfailing love. Through the purity of heart, which purifies motives and intentions, prevents foolish desires and actions, delights in God, and finds joy and satisfaction in pleasing Him.

The fear of the Lord differs from the unhealthy fear of worldly dangers such as crime, armed robbers, marauders, thieves, storms, accidents, and other threats, which leads to anxiety, disorder, and panic. However, the fear of the Lord is a healthy fear of God’s discipline, rooted in love and leading to intimacy with Christ Jesus. It’s the pathway to true happiness, peace, and confidence (Prov 28:14 BBE).  

For the waywardness of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. But whoever listens to me will dwell in safety, secure from the fear of evil (Proverbs 1:32-33).

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but we cannot obtain wisdom without earnest attention and prayerful study. There are portions of Scripture whose meaning does not lie on the surface to be seen at a glance. Scripture must be compared with Scripture, and such study will be richly repaid.