The fear of God is presented as the cornerstone of true wisdom and knowledge. Proverbs 1:7 declares that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, emphasizing that this fear is not merely reverence or respect, but carries a deeper connotation of dread and fright, intended by God to be integral to our understanding. This fear is fundamental, described as the chief part of knowledge, essential for attaining the kind of wisdom that leads to eternal life, distinct from mere worldly or technological knowledge. This fear of God is not a natural instinct but must be learned and instilled by Him through His calling and grace. It compels recognition of His power, holiness, justice, and wisdom, driving us to react by submitting to His will and purpose. Without this fear, true understanding of our place in God's design remains elusive, and knowledge becomes an instrument of destruction, as seen in the world around us filled with violence, broken families, and moral decay. The fear of God is portrayed as a prerequisite for wise living, motivating us to depart from evil and to make choices aligned with His way. It is the essence of true religion, shaping our conduct to reflect an inner disposition of submission to Him. This fear involves both shrinking back from sin and drawing close to God as a sanctuary, a place of safety. It is a dynamic force, causing us to run from sin as if it were a deadly threat and to run toward Him for refuge. Ultimately, the fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, without which the issues of ethics and morality become blurred. It is an essential element of godly character, vital to the process of salvation, requiring us to choose to fear Him amidst carnal fears, ensuring we submit to His way and find clear direction and purpose in life.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, as stated in Proverbs 9:10, where it is linked with the knowledge of the Holy Ones, the Father and the Son, leading to understanding and eternal life. This reverential awe and respect for God produces wisdom in making sound choices, exercising good judgment, and understanding cause and effect, fostering a good life for all time. Such wisdom, described as pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy, stands in opposition to evil and the harm it causes. Godly fear enables a person to evaluate correctly and arrive at the proper conclusion about what should or should not be done, ultimately teaching us to live eternally with the skill that the Father and the Son possess. Furthermore, Proverbs 8:13 defines the fear of the LORD as hating evil, emphasizing a vehement opposition to all that harms life and liveliness. This hatred aligns with God's perspective, as He defines what is good and evil due to humanity's shortsightedness in perceiving long-term harm. When we fear God, respecting Him and what He stands for, we oppose all that He is against, including anything associated with evil or its influences. As we grow in His image, we learn to hate what He hates, recognizing the evil within ourselves and despising elements of our nature that cause misery. This fear and reverence for His holiness, deepened through knowing Him and Jesus Christ, helps us see by contrast what in us causes harm, guiding us toward a life that reflects His eternal values.