Biblical Answer

The fear of the Lord is a response of our entire being, not just an intellectual understanding. It is a genuine reverence for God and his sovereignty, which is foundational to the other five characteristics. To fear the Lord is to be overwhelmed with wonder before the greatness of God. The concept of the fear of the Lord is broader than our modern understanding of fear, and it does not imply being terrified by or living in dread of God.

A fuller definition of the fear of the Lord is that it is knowing that we live coram deo, before the face of God. This means that we are aware that God sees us and has us under his watchful eye. When we have a tolerance for sin in our lives, it is due in part to a lack of awareness of Gods presence. The fear of the Lord is also knowing that our actions are not hidden from God, and that we will be held accountable for them.

The fear of the Lord is a response that involves reverence, awe, and joy. It is a reaction to Gods holiness, and it should be reflected in our actions and decisions. When we fear the Lord, we are motivated to live a life of obedience and devotion to Him. We should not fear Him in the sense of being terrified, but rather, we should have a healthy respect for Him as our Creator and Judge. This fear should lead us to a deeper understanding of Gods character and a greater love for Him. Ultimately, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, and it should be the foundation of our relationship with God.