Soul Path Insights

What Does It Mean to Fear God?

As I read through King Solomon’s story, I was struck by how his wisdom was renowned across the land. People traveled far and wide just to hear his insights and learn from him. Solomon’s wisdom led him to write books like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, overflowing with profound truths about life. Inspired by his story, I found myself longing for that same wisdom. I wanted to be insightful, to understand life deeply, and to approach decisions with clarity and discernment.

James 1:5 offers this incredible promise: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Encouraged by this scripture, I began praying for wisdom, trusting that God would provide. But as I searched for more insight, another scripture caught my attention: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)

This verse stopped me in my tracks. Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord? What does that even mean? My curiosity was piqued, and I found myself diving into scripture, trying to understand what it truly means to fear God.

The Fear of God Is the Foundation of Wisdom

At its core, the fear of God is about recognizing who He is—holy, sovereign, and all-powerful—and responding with awe, reverence, and humility. It’s a posture of the heart that acknowledges God’s greatness and our dependence on Him.

When I first encountered Proverbs 9:10, I realized I had been searching for wisdom in the wrong way. I thought wisdom came from gaining knowledge or experience, but true wisdom begins with understanding that God is the ultimate source of truth. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

This humbled me. God’s wisdom is so far beyond ours. Fearing Him means acknowledging that His perspective is higher, His plans are better, and His ways are perfect—even when we don’t understand them.

The Awe of God’s Holiness

The fear of God also means standing in awe of His holiness. God is completely set apart from sin—perfect and pure in every way. Isaiah’s encounter with God in Isaiah 6:5 captures this beautifully:

“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.”

Isaiah’s response wasn’t just fear—it was a profound reverence for God’s holiness. To fear God is to recognize how infinitely greater He is than us and to respond with worship, humility, and a deep respect for His purity.

God’s Love Turns Fear Into Worship

What amazes me most is how God doesn’t leave us trembling in His holiness. Instead, He invites us into a relationship with Him. Even though we are sinful and unworthy, He made a way for us to draw near through Jesus Christ.

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

This truth left me in awe. The same God who is holy and all-powerful also loves us deeply enough to sacrifice His Son so we could approach Him. To fear God isn’t about being scared—it’s about standing in awe of a love so pure and so sacrificial. This kind of love doesn’t repel us; it draws us closer. It transforms fear into worship.

Fearing God Leads to Obedience

Another thing I’ve learned is that fearing God naturally leads to obedience. When I truly respect and trust God, I want to live in a way that honors Him. Obedience isn’t about rigidly following rules—it’s about aligning my life with His will because I know His ways are for my good.

Deuteronomy 10:12-13 puts it this way:

“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?”

Fearing God reminds me that He is both my King and my Father. It’s a relationship built on trust, reverence, and love—a relationship that shapes how I live.

Five Truths About the Fear of God

Here are five truths I’ve discovered about the fear of God that have transformed my perspective:

1. It’s the Foundation of Wisdom

True wisdom begins when we recognize God as the ultimate source of truth (Proverbs 9:10). It’s not about what we know, but who we know.

2. It’s About Reverence, Not Terror

The fear of God isn’t about being afraid of Him—it’s about respecting and honoring Him as holy, sovereign, and just.

3. It Highlights His Grace

When we understand God’s holiness, we see how undeserving we are of His love—and how amazing His grace truly is.

4. It Leads to Obedience

Fearing God inspires us to live in a way that pleases Him. It’s not about obligation—it’s about trust and surrender.

5. It Brings Peace

Paradoxically, fearing God brings comfort. When we acknowledge His sovereignty, we can rest in the knowledge that He is in control (Psalm 33:8-9).

Living in the Fear of God

So, how do we live in the fear of God? Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Start with Worship: Take time to reflect on God’s greatness and holiness. Let worship cultivate awe in your heart.

• Meditate on Scripture: Dive into verses that reveal God’s character, like Isaiah 6, Psalm 139, and Proverbs 9:10.

• Pray with Reverence: Approach God with humility, thanking Him for His grace and trusting His wisdom.

• Obey His Commands: Live in a way that honors Him, trusting that His ways are higher than ours.

• Surrender Daily: Trust God with your plans and decisions, knowing that His perspective is eternal.

Final Thoughts: From Wisdom to Worship

As I reflect on my journey of seeking wisdom, I realize that true wisdom isn’t something I can achieve on my own. It begins with knowing and fearing God. The fear of God is not about living in terror—it’s about standing in awe of His greatness, trusting His wisdom, and surrendering to His love.

If you’re pursuing wisdom, I encourage you to start here: reflect on God’s holiness, surrender your plans to Him, and trust that He knows best. And as Romans 8:38-39 reminds us:

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The One who is holy, sovereign, and all-powerful also loves you with an unshakable love. That’s a truth worth living for.

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© 2025 Amelie Chambord