What Does It Mean to Fear God and How Do You Do It?

Understanding the Fear of the Lord

To “fear God” doesn’t mean being terrified of Him like one would fear a tyrant. Biblically, the fear of the Lord refers to a deep reverence and awe for God recognizing His holiness, authority, and justice paired with a desire to obey and worship Him.

Fearing God is not just one aspect of Christian living; it is a foundational attitude that shapes every part of our spiritual life. It means:

Loving Him

Obeying His Word

Hating evil

Serving Him faithfully

Seeking His will

Worshiping Him with sincerity

As Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NIV) says:

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”

Let’s explore the blessings that come from fearing God, as taught throughout Scripture.

1. The Fear of the Lord Leads to Eternal Life

Proverbs 14:27 (NIV)

“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.”

This verse teaches that those who fear the Lord find a source of spiritual life and salvation. Fearing God leads us to repentance and a life of holiness, keeping us from sin and its consequences. Ultimately, it leads us toward eternal life in Christ (cf. John 17:3).

2. The Fear of the Lord Is the Beginning of Knowledge

Proverbs 1:7 (NIV)

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Genuine knowledge and understanding begin with acknowledging God as Creator and Lord. Without that foundation, all learning is incomplete. A reverent heart is teachable; a prideful heart is not.

Daniel 1:17, 20 (NIV) gives a real-life example:

“To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds… In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.”

This shows how fearing and honoring God produces supernatural wisdom that surpasses worldly knowledge.

3. The Fear of the Lord Gives True Wisdom

Psalm 111:10 (NIV)

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.”

Wisdom, in biblical terms, is not just knowledge it’s the ability to live rightly before God. King Solomon received divine wisdom because he first feared and honored God (1 Kings 3:5–14). When we fear God, He grants us discernment to navigate life and understand His Word more deeply.

James 1:5 (NIV) also assures us:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God… and it will be given to you.”

4. The Fear of the Lord Extends Life

Proverbs 10:27 (NIV)

“The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.”

While not a guarantee of long physical life for every individual, the principle here is that a godly, disciplined, and morally upright life often results in better decisions, fewer destructive habits, and God’s providential care.

Examples: Abraham (Genesis 25:7–8), Job (Job 42:16–17), and Jacob (Genesis 47:28) all lived long lives, and they were known for fearing and obeying God.

5. The Fear of the Lord Brings Protection for Your Children

Proverbs 14:26 (NIV)

“Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.”

A life of faith and godliness creates spiritual covering for generations. Your fear of God can become the spiritual inheritance and foundation upon which your children build their lives, just as God blessed Abraham’s descendants because of Abraham’s faithfulness (Genesis 17:7; Psalm 103:17).

6. The Fear of the Lord Leads to Prosperity and Honor

Proverbs 22:4 (NIV)

“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.”

Godly prosperity is not just material wealth but includes peace, honor, and the fullness of life. It is a by-product of humility and obedience to God. When you seek first the kingdom of God, He promises to meet your needs (Matthew 6:33).

Jesus echoes this truth in Mark 10:29–30 (NIV):

“‘Truly I tell you,’ Jesus replied, ‘no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age… and in the age to come eternal life.’”

How Can You Develop the Fear of the Lord in Your Life?

1. Study the Word of God

Spending time in Scripture is key. The Bible reveals God’s character and teaches us how to live. God even commanded the kings of Israel to read the Law daily so they would learn to fear Him.

Deuteronomy 17:18–19 (NIV)

“He is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law… It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees.”

2. Avoid Evil

The fear of the Lord includes a hatred for sin and wickedness.

Proverbs 8:13 (NIV)

“To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.”

We are called not only to avoid evil, but to oppose it as God does beginning with pride and rebellion, the root of all sin.

3. Cultivate Reverent Worship and Prayer

Regular prayer, worship, and reflection on God’s holiness help keep our hearts humble and submitted.

Hebrews 12:28–29 (NIV)

“…Let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’”

Be blessed!

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