8 Benefits of Having Fear of the Lord

We often associate fear with things that we are afraid of. Like spiders or snakes. Or when we were younger, the dark.

Oxford defines fear as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, a threat or to be afraid of (someone or something) as likely to be dangerous, painful, or threatening.

A common acronym that we use to describe the word “fear” is … False. Evidence. Appearing. Real. 

Fear of the Lord

The Fear of God is quite different. Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible notes fear as being a Religious reverence (Proverbs 1:7).

The Hebrew word for fear is “Yirah”. It is found 14 times in the book of Proverbs. The fear of God, as I will call it here, refers more to trust, respect, and high esteem. As well as a reverence for the Lord.

I love how the C.H. Spurgeon commentary states what Godly Fear is:

“The expression is used in Scripture for all true godliness. It is constantly the short way of expressing real faith, hope, love, the holiness of living, and every grace which makes up true godliness…The kind of fear commended in the text is not such as appalls the senses and scares the thoughts.” Godly Fear and its Goodly Consequence, A sermon (No. 1290)

What Does it Mean to Fear the Lord?

The Bible says that the Fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) Wisdom…in one word, sums up what it means to fear God. If you study the Bible then you know that the book of the Bible, Proverbs, written by King Solomon is full of wisdom.

According to Dakes, the book of Proverbs, though written by Solomon is not a collection of Solomon’s wisdom, but divine rules to govern the whole of man’s conduct – his civil, religious, and business life.

Fear of the Lord Verses

These fear of the Lord Bible verses help us better understand what it means to fear God.

“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.” Proverbs 8:13 KJV

“And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.” Job 28:28 NIV

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” Psalm 111:10 ESV

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7 KJV

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV

The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom

Oxford defines wisdom as the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise. And the soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of experience, knowledge, and good judgment.

Here are two ways of gaining wisdom according to Proverbs 110:10

• Hearing counsel and profit by it.
• Receiving instruction (discipline) and living by it.

So basically, fearing God is to hear and to head or abide by or to live by the Word of God. And with that, there are many benefits to living the life that the Lord calls us to live.

Benefits of Having Fear of the Lord

Each benefit below is explained to us in Bible verses. What an awesome example of how the Bible is always relevant and our God never changes just as God promises! These Fear of God verses are from the KJV.

1. Gives Long Life

“The fear of the LORD prolongs life, But the years of the wicked will be shortened.” Proverbs 10:27

“The fear of the LORD leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.” Proverbs 19:23

“The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches, honor, and life.” Proverbs 22:4

“So the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God for our good always and for our survival, as it is today.” Deuteronomy 6:24

2. Gives Blessings

“The fear of the LORD prolongs life, But the years of the wicked will be shortened.” Proverbs 10:27

“He will bless those who fear the LORD, The small together with the great.” Psalm 115:13

“How blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways.” Psalm 128:1

“Praise the LORD! How blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who greatly delights in His commandments.” Psalm 112:1

3. Gives Salvation

“Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land.” Psalm 85:9

“Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness, To deliver their soul from death And to keep them alive in famine.” Psalm 33:18-19

4. Gives Favor

“The LORD favors those who fear Him, Those who wait for His lovingkindness.” Psalm 147:11

5. Gives Mercy

“And His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who Fear Him.” Luke 1:50

6. Gives Protection

“You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD; He is their help and their shield.” Psalm 115:11

“In the fear of the LORD [is] strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.” Proverbs 14:26

“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them.” Psalm 34:7

7. Gives Healing

“But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall.” Malachi 4:2

8. Gives Provision

“O fear the LORD, you His saints; For to those who fear Him there is no want.” Psalm 34:9

“He has given food to those who fear Him; He will remember His covenant forever.” Psalm 111:5

“The secret of the LORD [is] with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.” Psalms 25:14

“Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness, To deliver their soul from death And to keep them alive in famine.” Psalm 33:18-19

Do You Fear God?

To Fear God is to have the wisdom to hear and to live by the Word of God. By placing our complete trust in the Lord, giving all reverence, respect, and high esteem to Him in our life.

Natasha Smith is a wife, homeschool mom, and North Carolina native who loves Jesus. A lifestyle content creator, writer, mentor, and Entrepreneur. Coffee lover and Disney Princess (in her dreams). She shares her life experiences and biblical perspective to “Inspire you to do life better” through faith and with Intention. For more encouragement and inspiration find her on the blog at lovelyyoublog.com and on Facebook.