The fear of the LORD does not mean that you are scared of God. It also does not mean that you are unsure if God is for you or against you. The fear of the LORD is deep respect for God and for His Word, and a heart that says, “What God says is the truth, and I do what He says.” So it is about listening with respect. You are willing to do what He says.
So the fear of the LORD is something good. It will change your life when you walk in this fear. Let us look at some ways we can walk in the fear of the LORD:
1) It is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” (Proverbs 1:7)
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10)
When you seek wisdom and knowledge, God is the main source. He has all wisdom and all knowledge. When you see this, you go to His Word for wisdom and knowledge and accept what is written there. You do not doubt the Word, but through the fear of the LORD you know that everything it says is wise and makes you wise.
2) It is to hate evil
“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil.” (Proverbs 8:13)
Because you fear God, you hate the same things that God hates. Think of sin and all kinds of evil. God hates the sins that people do. When you fear God, you keep yourself far away from sin.
3) The fear of the LORD brings life, protection, and safety
“In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence.” (Proverbs 14:26)
“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life.” (Proverbs 14:27)
When you listen to God and to His wisdom and walk in His ways, this gives life, protection, and safety. Why? Because you let your life be led by the One who always knows what you should do.
In daily life you see this with good advisers. If you have advisers who help you with your work, your business, or healthy habits, and you follow their advice, it brings results. If you always listen to God and go deep into His Word and His wisdom, it will change you and help you to become more like Jesus.
4) Relationship and revelation from God
“The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant.” (Psalm 25:14)
When you put God in the first place and do what He says, God will show you more of His wisdom. If you do not listen to God, why would He share His plans and wisdom with you? But when you listen and obey, He will give you more revelation.
5) No lack of any good thing
“Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.” (Psalm 34:9-10)
When you walk in God’s ways, He will command His blessing on your life. You will not live in poverty and hunger. You will not lack any good thing. First this comes because of God’s blessing on your life. But it also comes because of His wisdom. When you do what the Bible and God say, you will make wise choices and trust God that He will provide in every need.
These were five parts of the fear of the LORD. This is not a full list, but it shows how fearing God brings good results