The fear of the Lord is declared as the beginning of knowledge, as stated in Proverbs 1:7, emphasizing a fundamental principle for a life that seeks true wisdom. This fear is not merely a soft reverence but carries a harsher connotation of fright, dread, and terror, intended by God to be an integral part of our understanding. It is a vital aspect of worshiping a great, powerful, and holy God, not to be taken for granted. This fear of God is crucial to salvation, serving as a motive for strenuous effort and reaction. It compels us to react in proportion to its intensity, driving us to avoid the unpleasant consequences of sin and to enrich and save our lives by considering God, His Son, His purpose, and sin in every circumstance. The fear of the Lord does not come naturally; it must be learned and instilled by God, often through the recognition of His power, holiness, justice, and wisdom, which the world does not possess. As a prerequisite and chief part of true knowledge, the fear of God leads to eternal life and a right relationship with Him and others. It is the essential ingredient that transforms knowledge, understanding, and wisdom into a life that pleases God. Without it, knowledge becomes an instrument of destruction, as seen in the world filled with violence, war, and moral decay. The fear of God involves both shrinking back and drawing close, not paralyzing action but motivating a departure from evil. It is to hate evil, pride, arrogance, and the evil way, compelling one to keep God's commandments and live a godly life. This fear makes God a sanctuary and place of refuge, shifting our reaction from running toward sin to running toward Him. Thus, the fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, essential for clear direction and purpose in life.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of true knowledge, the foundation upon which growth in God's way is built. It is not an instinct or something inherent within us, but a quality that must be learned, emerging only when God calls us into a relationship with Him. A degree of knowing Him is essential to rightly fear Him, for without this relationship, the fear of the Lord cannot truly begin. This fear is a cornerstone, alongside faith, hope, and love, binding the foundation of Christianity and serving as a primary motivator toward growth and a true witness for God. It is the key that unlocks the treasuries of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge, a vital element that draws us closer to Him rather than driving us away. The fear of the Lord is not negative but wholly good, encompassing awe at His greatness, respect for His Fatherhood, and submission to His sovereignty, leading to obedience. Without this fear, as seen in the destruction of God's people for lack of knowledge, the path to understanding His will remains closed. It is a quality that must grow in intensity as we progress in our relationship with Him, becoming ever more significant. The fear of the Lord is not to be replaced or diminished, for it is the doorway to all the treasures God has in store, and without respect for Him, we cannot draw near to His presence. This fear must be cultivated through knowing Him, not merely knowing about Him, but experiencing Him as our Father, Sovereign Ruler, Healer, Forgiver, and Provider in every facet of life. Only through such intimate knowledge can we offer Him the honor and reverence due to His name. The failure to fear Him, as history shows, leads to disrespect and disobedience, even among those who have witnessed His power. Thus, we must continually seek to learn and deepen this fear, recognizing His separateness and approaching Him on His terms to fulfill His purpose for us.

We are here to learn to fear God, for the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. This fear is not merely to live in constant terror, but to hold Him in such reverence, awe, and respect that we voluntarily measure every action, attitude, feeling, and thought against His law and His teaching. God has called us out for a special purpose, to learn to fear Him, so we can be used at a future time in His plan. Fearing God with our whole being enables us to participate in the culmination of His plan for this world and all mankind. This fear equals obedience to God, shown by the way we conduct ourselves in our behavior. The Feast of Tabernacles is a wonderful place to put this fear into practice. As we choose to fear God, He in turn chooses us to help Him in the most awesome responsibility ever given to His people: to actively participate with God the Father and Jesus Christ in rebuilding the earth and the salvation of mankind. Now is our time to learn this fear, while the Millennium will be the time for the world to learn to fear and obey God. This season pictures a marvelous time when the gift God has wanted for thousands of years—His people fearing Him—will finally be realized. Through the messages, experiences, and lessons of this Feast, we must take to heart the innermost part of our being the need to fear God, so we can become the kings and priests of God, ready to help His people in the restoration that is on the horizon.