Biblical Answer

The concept of the fear of the Lord is multifaceted and has been misunderstood in modern times. In the Old Testament, the term "fear of the Lord" is common, and it is used to convey a sense of awe, reverence, and respect for God's holiness. The fear of the Lord is not just an intellectual understanding, but a response of the entire being. It is a genuine reverence for God and his sovereignty, which is foundational to a godly character and is crucial for making difficult decisions. The fear of the Lord is knowing that one lives "coram deo," or in the presence of God, who sees and judges us. This understanding of the fear of the Lord involves a solemn respect for God as judge and a confidence in the saving grace of God.

The fear of the Lord is not just about being terrified or living in dread of God, but rather it is a response of wonder and awe before the greatness of God. It is a sense of being overwhelmed by the majesty of God, which draws our attention to our own relationship with God and our obedience to him. The fear of the Lord is not just a moral category, but it is a foundational choice of respecting God as God, which involves the decisive rejection of arrogance and evil actions. It is a steadfast relationship with God that leaves no room for fear of anything or anyone else.

The fear of the Lord is not just a feeling, but it is a response that involves action. It is a responsive, reverential, and joyful action that is characterized by a love for God and a desire to obey him. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, and it is the foundation for a godly character. It is a principle of human conduct that whatever wins our affections will control our lives. Therefore, when we keep the Lord's commandments and have a fear of the Lord, we will be blessed and will have a good understanding of God's ways. In the end, the fear of the Lord is not just a feeling, but it is a choice that we make every day to live in the presence of God and to obey his commands.