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.

The fear of the Lord is a profound and essential foundation for a life lived by faith, marking the beginning of true knowledge. As stated in Proverbs 1:7, the fear of the Lord is the starting point of knowledge, specifically the knowledge of God—His nature, His character, and His works. This fear is not dominated by dread or terror but is centered on worshipful admiration and appreciation, encompassing wonder, awe, delight, and warm approval of all that He is in His person. It esteems Him above all others due to the awesome, loving mixture of His intelligence, creativity, generosity, wisdom, kindness, patience, and mercy, all within an aura of overwhelming yet subdued power. This recognition of God's qualities can only form within an abiding relationship, cultivated through experiences with Him. Without such intimacy, one cannot truly know Him or perceive these attributes. The fear of the Lord, therefore, is a strong influence that impels us toward God and His way, moving us to submit to His every wish as expressed in His Word. It draws us closer to Him rather than repelling us in cringing terror, fostering a desire to be in His presence and to avoid displeasing Him. Further, as explored in Proverbs 2:1-7, the fear of the Lord opens the pathway to understanding and grasping God's sovereignty. By receiving His words, treasuring His commands, and seeking wisdom and understanding as one would search for hidden treasures, we come to understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. This process paves the way for the growth of godly fear and humility, removing barriers and enhancing our relationship with Him. The Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding, serving as a shield to those who walk uprightly and delivering them from the way of evil. Thus, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of the knowledge of God, essential for knowing who He is, what He is like, and what He is doing. It is a vital fruit of fully accepting God's sovereignty, drawing us into a deeper, more intimate connection with Him and equipping us to live by faith.

The fear of the LORD is the very beginning of knowledge, a foundational principle for gaining wisdom. As Proverbs 1:7 states, this reverence for Him is essential, yet fools despise wisdom and instruction. To have knowledge, one must first hold a deep respect for the LORD, for without it, true understanding remains out of reach. Stupid people, lacking this reverence, have no regard for wisdom and refuse to learn. This fear of the LORD sets the stage for perceiving words of understanding, receiving instruction in justice and judgment, and growing in prudence and discretion, as outlined in the timeless proverbs of Solomon.

The fear of the Lord stands as the foundation of true knowledge, distinct from mere human understanding. As declared in Proverbs 1:7, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." This knowledge is not attainable through man's own efforts apart from God, but is a godly knowledge cultivated within a close, intimate relationship with Him. It demands that we prioritize Him above all else, focusing our minds steadfastly on His will. Further insight from Proverbs 2:1-7 urges an active pursuit of this wisdom: "My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly." This pursuit is not passive; it requires diligent effort and a heart committed to seeking Him. Proverbs 4:5-7 reinforces this call to action: "Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding." The acquisition of godly knowledge is progressive, building over time through a sustained relationship with God, yielding ever more valuable fruit that glorifies Him. This fear of God is not a terror that repels, but a profound reverence and appreciation for His magnificent qualities, drawing us closer to Him. As Romans 3:18 reveals the root of mankind's waywardness, "There is no fear of God before their eyes," it becomes clear that without this fear, true understanding remains elusive. When the fear of God enters a person's life, it sets the stage for godly knowledge, understanding, and wisdom to grow, facilitated by the Spirit of God and the better choices that follow. The absence of this fear, as exemplified by Pharaoh in Exodus 5:2 when he declared, "Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, nor will I let Israel go," breeds irreverence and prideful disobedience. In contrast, the fear of God, as shown by Moses and Aaron, fosters humility and submission, enabling one to respond to His sovereignty with trust and obedience, regardless of the challenges faced.