The Fear of The Lord

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
- Proverbs 1:7

Thank you for your presence and the opportunity to speak on this important topic. The more I’ve studied this subject, the more I’m convinced that the fear of the Lord is foundational to everything we do as believers. It’s no surprise that Solomon, in the opening verses of Proverbs, emphasizes it so clearly.

The fear of the Lord isn’t just about being afraid. It’s about awe, reverence, and respect. It’s a concept found not just in Proverbs, but throughout the Bible. And it’s something that we desperately need to understand and embrace today.

What Does It Mean to Fear the Lord? 

To fear the Lord is to recognize who God is: holy, just, loving, merciful, and sovereign. It is to acknowledge His power, His authority, and His place as Creator and Judge. It’s not about living in terror, but about holding God in the highest regard.

We need to help our young people understand this. One of the most important things we can do is teach them to develop a biblical view of God. He’s not just someone to be afraid of—He’s someone to be revered. He is a God who is holy, who grieves over sin, who loves, and who speaks through His word.

A Historical Perspective

When Solomon wrote these words, God’s people were struggling. They had rejected God as their king and asked for a human king instead (1 Samuel 8). They were more concerned with being like the nations around them than with walking in the fear of the Lord.

Throughout Judges, we see this same pattern: rebellion, punishment, repentance, and deliverance. Over and over, they forgot the fear of the Lord. And as a result, they did what was right in their own eyes.

This lack of reverence wasn’t just among the people. The leaders—the shepherds of Israel—failed too. In Ezekiel 34, God condemns the shepherds for neglecting His people. They were supposed to be examples of what it meant to walk in the fear of the Lord, but they failed.

Misconceptions About God

Many people today see God as someone to be afraid of—as if He’s waiting for us to mess up so He can punish us. But that’s not the God we serve. Yes, He is just. But He is also longsuffering, gracious, and merciful. He wants us to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

When we understand who God is, we don’t hide from Him—we walk with Him. Just like Noah did. Just like Abraham did. Just like Jesus did.

Biblical Examples

• Noah: He walked with God and obeyed Him even when it didn’t make sense. He built an ark because he feared the Lord (Hebrews 11:7).
• Abraham: He was willing to sacrifice Isaac because he feared God (Genesis 22:12).
• Jesus: In Hebrews 5:7, we see that Jesus, even in His suffering, submitted to the Father with reverent fear. His obedience—even unto death—was rooted in fear, not of punishment, but of holy reverence.

Walking in the Fear of the Lord

We must not let the fear of man outweigh the fear of the Lord. When we walk in reverence and respect for God, we obey His word, we seek His will, and we live faithfully.

This is something we must instill in our young people. Teach them to walk in the fear of the Lord now, while they are young. Help them build a foundation that will carry them through every trial and every temptation.

I’ve seen what it looks like to live—and to die—in the fear of the Lord. I’ve sat with saints near the end of life who sang hymns with joy, holding fast to their reverence for God. It’s a beautiful thing.

Conclusion

The fear of the Lord is where it all begins. It leads to knowledge. It shapes our obedience. It directs our worship. It transforms our lives.

If you haven’t begun that walk, or if you’ve stepped away from it, now is the time to return. Walk in the fear of the Lord. Hold Him in reverence. Obey His voice. And begin a life rooted in wisdom.