Christians used to be described as “God-fearing” people. The fear of God is a first principle of the Christian life. But what does it mean to fear God? The Book of Proverbs, in which “the fear of the Lord” is a central theme, can help.
The introduction to Proverbs climaxes with verse 7, which serves as a motto or theme verse for the book: “The fear of the Lord [Yahweh] is the beginning of knowledge” (Prov. 1:7). While Chapter 1 informs the reader that fearing Yahweh is the foundation and guiding principle of the whole pursuit of wisdom (Prov. 1:7), Chapter 2 explains that as one diligently pursues wisdom, one should expect to better understand Yahweh and how to fear him (Prov. 2:5), which involves living a righteous, just, and equitable life with which Yahweh is pleased (Prov. 2:9). The concept of fearing Yahweh runs through the entire book (Prov. 1:7, 29; 2:5; 3:7; 8:13; 9:10; 10:27; 14:2, 26, 27; 15:16, 33; 16:6; 19:23; 22:4; 23:17; 24:21; 28:14; 29:25; 31:30), where its primary form continues to be “the fear of Yahweh” (Prov. 8:13; 9:10; 10:27; 14:26, 27; 15:16, 33; 16:6; 19:23; 22:4; 23:17; 31:30). It also appears as a command to “fear Yahweh” (Prov. 3:7; 24:21) and as a description of the righteous person who “fears Yahweh” (Prov. 14:2). Finally, it is implied or alluded to in verses which speak of fearing the commandment (Prov. 13:13), living fearfully or cautiously (Prov. 14:6), and trusting in Yahweh instead of fearing man (Prov. 29:25).
Since the fear of the Lord is so basic and pervasive in the Book of Proverbs, it is crucial to clearly define it. Several verses state what the fear of Yahweh “is” (Prov. 1:7; 8:13; 9:10; 14:27; 15:33); however, they appear to be predications rather than definitions or identity statements. The meaning of the Hebrew word for “fear” (yir.ah) ranges from terror to reverence. That the fear of Yahweh is something that one can “choose” (Prov. 1:29) and “continue in … all the day” (Prov. 23:17) suggests that it is more of a posture or way of life than an emotion or feeling. That Yahweh is primarily depicted in Proverbs as wise and giving (Prov. 2:6), trustworthy (Prov. 3:5), loving (Prov. 3:12), opposed to evil (Prov. 3:32; 33), a provider (Prov. 10:3), a protector (Prov. 10:29), a delighter in faithful men (Prov. 12:2, 22), a hearer of their prayers (Prov. 15:29), a safe and strong tower (Prov. 18:10), and so on, further suggests that the fear of Yahweh is not the emotion of dread or anxiety that one might have in the presence of a cruel or unpredictable tyrant. Proverbs 3:5–12 is especially instructive: “fear the Lord” (Prov. 3:7) is nearly synonymous with “trust the Lord” (Prov. 3:5; cf. 29:25) and “honor the Lord” (Prov. 3:9) and is contrasted with pride and self-reliance (Prov. 3:5, 7). In Proverbs 15:33 and 22:4, it is closely associated with humility. All of this implies a personal relationship with Yahweh, which is confirmed by Proverbs 2:5 and 9:10, where “the fear of the Lord” parallels “the knowledge of God” and “the knowledge of the Holy One.” From these verses, a preliminary definition can be constructed: the fear of the Lord is a reverent and submissive posture towards God which is based in a recognition of his superior greatness and issues in sincere obedience to his commands, especially ethical behavior towards those whom Yahweh made and loves.
The fear of the Lord is a reverent and submissive posture towards God which is based in a recognition of his superior greatness and issues in sincere obedience to his commands, especially ethical behavior towards those whom Yahweh made and loves.
The person who fears Yahweh receives his instruction with a teachable spirit (Prov. 1:7, 29; 15:33), learns to hate evil and turn away from it (Prov. 8:13; 3:7: 14:16; 16:6), and leads a life of integrity and uprightness (Prov. 14:2). The benefits of fearing Yahweh are innumerable: the God-fearing person is blessed (Prov. 28:14), enjoys healing and refreshment (Prov. 3:8), long or quality life (Prov. 10:27; 14:27; 19:23; 22:4; 9:11), prosperity and honor (Prov. 22:4; 3:10), safety (Prov. 29:25), and strong confidence in the Lord (Prov. 14:26). They are clearly set apart from those who do not fear Yahweh (Prov. 1:29) and are therefore unteachable and foolish (Prov. 1:7, 29). The end of such people is a short or troubled life (Prov. 10:27) that ends in sudden disaster or destruction (Prov. 10:29; 24:22; 28:14).
