Introduction
We are all familiar with Proverbs 9:10 ESV:
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
Much has been written on this profound truth. Among the most insightful and compelling works on the subject are those by John Bevere. I encourage you to read, underline, meditate upon, and absorb the truths presented in his books The Awe of God and The Fear of the Lord. While I may occasionally reference or restate some of the principles he discusses, it is not my intention to simply repeat his work. What follows is my own journey, reflections, and understanding of this vital biblical theme.
In my view, the fear of God is one of the most profound, yet most overlooked, aspects of the Christian life. It is the foundation of genuine faith, true wisdom, and wholehearted obedience. Without a proper fear of the Lord, a person may possess religious knowledge, participate in Christian activities, read the Bible daily, pray regularly, and diligently seek spiritual experiences, yet still lack a true relationship with God.
Jesus Himself issued sobering warnings of those who behave this way:
“I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:23, ESV)
And again:
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’” (Matthew 25:41, ESV)
These words should cause every believer to examine his or her heart. They remind us that salvation is not merely about outward religious activity but about genuinely knowing God and walking in obedience to Him.
Those who feel no reverence, concern, or holy trembling when confronted with these warnings may not fully understand the holiness of God or the seriousness of standing before Him. Even Satan knows that God exists, yet he neither loves nor submits to Him. Mere knowledge of God is not enough; true faith produces reverence, obedience, and awe.
The fear of the Lord is not a paralyzing terror that drives us away from God. Rather, it is a holy reverence that draws us nearer to Him. It is the deep awareness of His majesty, holiness, authority, and love. It causes us to hate sin, pursue righteousness, and desire to please Him above all else.
The psalmist beautifully describes both the blessings and the invitation that accompany the fear of the Lord:
“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!” (Psalm 34:7–8)
God promises His protection, provision, and attentive care to those who fear Him. They are not abandoned, nor do they lack any truly good thing that He desires to give them.
Even more remarkable is that God promises to teach us this fear:
“Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?” (Psalm 34:11–12, ESV)
The fear of the Lord is not merely a doctrine to be studied; it is a way of life to be learned. It is both the beginning of wisdom and the pathway to deeper intimacy with God. As we grow in holy reverence before Him, we discover not only His greatness and power, but also the richness of His mercy, grace, and unfailing love.
How?
- Taste v 8
- Fear v 4, 7, 9, 11
- Come v 11
- Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit v 13
- Turn away from evil and do good v 14
- Seek peace and pursue it v 14
I can almost hear your response. “I already do these things”. Do you? Look Matthew 7: 22-23 ESV.
“On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?”
I’ve done all these things too. Even as a young newbie Christian. Now I ask myself “Am I really in God’s intimate company”? I fear Him. Even knowing His awesome grace, I fear Him never wanting to stray from His company, even for a moment.
Let’s explore this fear further.
Psalms 34
Psalms 34 is really about the fear of the Lord and His teaching about this very thing. My commentary on the key words from Psalms 34 are written below for further exploration.
Taste v 8
The word “Taste” is almost written as a challenge. Give it a try and see that it is good. The verse goes on to say: “see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him”. What is there to lose with such a statement?
As a simple man and a Catholic at the university, I looked at believing in Christ intellectually, breaking my choices into two parts, yes and no, and accepting the most logical path.
So I asked myself, “Do I believe there is a God”?
1. If I choose no and there is no God – big deal. I go nowhere after death. All I have is in the moment I live, therefore live for myself because that’s all I have. Enjoy what I can for there is nothing more. Focus on self and life, “…everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil”. (Ecclesiastes 3:13 ESV)
2. If I choose yes and there is no God – so what. The consequences are the same.
3. The same is true if I choose yes, and there is no God. I will have been just “a good boy”.
4. However, if I choose yes and there is a God I may have a chance if I fear Him. The key here is If I Fear Him.
So I tasted Him and I found His word to be true. Now I must understand how to fear Him and exactly what this means.
Fear v 9
To understand where all this is coming from you must read all 22 verses of Psalm 34. This is what the Psalm is all about, fearing God with instruction on how to fear Him along with all its benefits.
Come v 11
The only way to taste Him is to come to Him. There is no other way, certainly no worldly way. It should not be difficult to understand that God is a spirit so a worldly approach is not possible. I have tried: Physiology, Philosophy, Religion, and worldly knowledge of all sorts. They were all food for the mind, but I (you) can only taste Him by coming to Him. You do this through faith, not knowing the outcome but by believing anyway.
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit v 13.
If you are really going to taste by trying this means you must follow up your belief with action. I had a friend with whom I was able to pray and introduce to the Lord. He was one of the most fowl mouths in the company. He couldn’t speak without using the “F” word along with many other expletives. After prayer – that very day – he stopped. The entire company was wondering what overcame him. He had changed. He diligently bridled his tongue and tasted the good things that “encamps around those who fear Him”.
Every word that comes out of your mouth is judged. This alone should bring fear of the Lord to mind for Christians.
“Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving”. (Ephesians 5:4) ESV
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37) ESV
Turn away from evil and do good; v 14
Likewise, turning from evil and doing good demonstrates fear of the Lord. My friend was a Green Beret during the Vietnam war. He was all over southeastern Asia when the news media said otherwise. He saw much action and did many things he would not talk about. He demonstrated his loyalty and abilities by coming a team leader. I saying this to say that he was well versed in evil and getting his way by any means. True, this was for his survival, probably more than patriotism. Nevertheless his mindset was established. Yet, he turned away from evil and later became a home-group leader, ordained and licensed as a deacon and an elder in the church. His life experiences taught him fear of man for his very life and to fight. Later he learned how to fear God more than any man.
Seek peace and pursue it v 14
Seeking peace in all situations is not as easy as it may seem. Arguing with family, a friend or acquaintance even when you are right and they are wrong never brings peace. Bouncing a Bible off heads seldom works. Peace must be sought after. Wisdom from above must be sought after and applied. Lost battles must be revisited and love must be applied. However peace is not won by winning battles. Battles bring justice not peace. Only love brings peace. Jesus Himself said that He did not come into the world to bring peace. He brought a sword. Battles continue to be fought over Him.
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword”. (Matthew) 10:34
The sword is a metaphor. It describes and separates believers from non believers. The love of God and his kingdom must take precedence over every other human relationship. He came into this world to bring love. Do we not know this? Remember “…for God so loved…”.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life”. (John 3:16) ESV
Conclusion
Christians are often accused of being judgmental. Yet many people—both in the world and even within the church—misunderstand a fundamental truth: every thought, every word, and every action is seen by God and will be brought into His judgment.
Scripture teaches that apart from repentance, our thoughts, words, and deeds stand condemned, judged, by the very Word of God. No one can escape His truth, for His Word is eternal, righteous, and unchanging. This reality alone should awaken within every believer a reverent fear of the Lord.
As followers of Christ, we must also remain vigilant concerning sin and the temptations that surround us daily. We should fear drifting into disobedience, falling into sin, grieving the Holy Spirit, or doing anything that would damage our fellowship with Almighty God. Such holy fear guards our hearts and keeps us dependent upon His grace.
The fear of the Lord is not the terror of a slave before a cruel master. Rather, it is the reverence, awe, and love-filled concern of a child who does not want to dishonor a good and loving Father. Scripture declares, “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8). Just as we would never want to hurt someone we deeply love, we should have a sincere desire not to offend the God who has shown us immeasurable mercy, love, and grace.
When rightly understood, conviction and godly sorrow are gifts from God. They lead us to repentance, draw us closer to Christ, and help keep us on the narrow path of righteousness. God’s Word serves as our guide and safeguard:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. I am severely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to your word!” (Psalm 119:105–107, ESV)
When we fear God above all else, we need not fear the world. His protection, presence, and peace surround those who trust in Him. As Scripture says:
“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them” (Psalm 34:7, ESV).
At the same time, believers are not called to live in bondage to fear. God has given us His Spirit:
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV).
Therefore, let us walk humbly before God, pursuing obedience with sincere hearts, remembering the exhortation of the Apostle Paul:
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12–13, ESV).
May we live with a holy reverence for God, a deep love for His truth, and a steadfast desire to honor Him in all that we think, say, and do.
But God will not wink at our transgressions saying He understands and let you pass. His yes is yes and His no is no. This is an absolute and will never change. His word is not affected by time, culture or by any individual who says, “I have done no wrong nor have I hurt anyone”. Fear this – it truly is the beginning of wisdom.
Enough Said
“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16 ESV
