Biblical Answer

The Bible teaches that fear is not a sin, but rather a necessary ingredient in right living. To fear the Lord is to be overwhelmed with wonder before the greatness of God and to be controlled by a recognition of His righteousness. In fact, the Bible says that those who fear God will be blessed, and that it is a good thing to fear the Lord (Eccl. 8:12). This kind of fear is not the same as being afraid of something or someone else, but rather a reverent obedience to God's commands.

The concept of the fear of the Lord is well-developed in the Scriptures, and it is seen as the beginning of knowledge (Prov. 1:7). When we keep the Lord's commands, we demonstrate our fear of Him, and it is for this reason that the Bible teaches that the fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom (Ps. 111:10). In fact, the Bible says that we should fear the Lord our God, and serve Him only (Deut. 6:13).

The Bible also teaches that fear is a necessary part of the salvation process. In Acts 13:26, the Bible says that whoever among you fears God will receive the word of salvation. This implies that a sense of sin and a predisposition of mind to receive the remission of sins is necessary for salvation. Therefore, fear is not a sin, but rather a necessary ingredient in right living and a necessary part of the salvation process. It is a reverent obedience to God's commands, and it is for this reason that the Bible teaches that the fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.