FEAR OF THE LORD

1. The fear of the LORD is found throughout the Old and New Testaments. 

2. To fear the LORD is to tremble in His presence (Jer. 5:22). It's much more than a healthy respect for God. 

3. To fear the LORD is to be afraid of incurring God's anger. God's anger is expressed in discipline for believers 
and punishment for unbelievers (Matt. 10:28; Luke 12:4–5; Rev. 14:6–7). 

4. Everyone should fear the LORD (Psa. 33:8; Eccl. 12:13). 

5. It is His due (Jer. 10:7). 

6. Happiness is promised to those who fear the LORD (Psa. 112:1; 128:1; Prov. 28:14). 

7. God will bless those who fear Him (Psa. 115:13). 

a. with riches, honor, and long life (Prov. 10:27; 22:4; Eccl. 8:12–13; cf. 1 Chron. 29:28). 

b. with the necessities of life (Psa. 34:9). 

c. with protection (2 Kings 17:39; Prov. 14:26–27; 19:23). 

d. it's better to be poor with the fear of the LORD than rich and without the fear of the LORD (Prov. 15:16). 

e. the blessings of Israel produce a fear of the LORD among the nations (Psa. 67:7)—
e.g., parting of the Red Sea (Josh. 2:8–11) and the parting of the Jordan River (5:1).

8. The fear of the LORD must be taught (Psa. 34:11). Teach the attributes of God, creation, miracles, stories 
such as the ten plagues of Egypt, doctrines such as hell, punishments such as of Ananias and Sapphira, 
and God's wrath in the seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments of Revelation. Knowledge produces a fear of the 
LORD and that fear will produce more knowledge—and wisdom. 

9. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge (Prov. 1:7) and the beginning of wisdom (Psa. 111:10; 
Prov. 9:10; cf. Job 28:28). 

10. The fear of the LORD produces humility (cf. Prov. 22:4). 

11. The fear of the LORD is a synonym for obedience (cf. Eccl. 12:13). When you fear someone, you will either 
freeze, flee, fight, or submit. 

12. A fear of the LORD discourages behavior God dislikes: 

a. oppression and financial exploitation (Neh. 5:15; cf. 5:9), 

b. taking bribes, showing partiality, and perverting justice (2 Chron. 19:6–7), 

c. sinning (Exod. 20:20; Jer. 3:8), 

d. turning away from God (Jer. 32:39–40). 

13. A fear of the LORD encourages behavior God likes: 

a. hating (Prov. 8:13) and avoiding evil (Prov. 3:7; 16:6), 

b. obedience (Exod. 9:18–21; Deut. 31:12), 

c. worship (Jonah 1:16), 

d. learning and applying the Word (Prov. 1:7; 9:10). 

14. The fear of the LORD is a prerequisite for leading God's people (Exod. 18:21–22). 

15. The LORD wants us to love (Deut. 6:5) and fear Him (Psa. 34:9). 

16. Fear the LORD always (Prov. 28:14), all day long (Prov. 23:17), all the days of your life (Deut. 4:10).