What does it mean to fear God?
Fearing God means recognizing God as our Creator and Judge and respecting His commandments and ordinances, which He has given us humans to live by. This requires a humble heart and the awareness that God is above us and that our lives and destinies depend on God in every way. God loves us humans, and He wants us to love Him too. Love for God is expressed in our wholeheartedly obeying His commandments and honoring our Creator in everything we say and do. The fear of God should help us humans to behave in a way that pleases God. At the same time, it should protect us from becoming arrogant and doing things that displease God and that have negative consequences for our lives and the lives of others.
Fearing God does not mean that we should have a paralyzing fear of God or that God is arbitrary in His actions. Those who love God and act according to His will need not fear God in any way, since God fundamentally wants only the best for everyone. And even if we make mistakes, God graciously offers to forgive our sins if we confess them and sincerely repent. For God's intention is not to condemn us humans, but to help us learn from our mistakes.
Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!
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?
Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord,
who find great delight in His commands.
Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to Him.
He (God) holds success in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.
Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.