What it means to fear the Lord (Pro 1:7, 3:7, 9:10, 14:26-27; Ecc 8:12: 12:13-14; Psa 33:8, 44:21, 89:7, 111:9-10; Pro 29:25; Jer 5:22-25; 2 Pet 3:10; Gal 6:7; Heb 4:13; Luk 12:3; Col 3:22) -

Let's explore what it means to "fear the Lord" through these verses:

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

Meaning: Reverence for God is the foundation of true knowledge. Those who reject God’s wisdom are foolish.

Proverbs 3:7 (KJV) “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.”

Meaning: Trust in God's wisdom rather than your own. Respecting God helps you to avoid evil.

Proverbs 9:10 (KJV) “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”

Meaning: Revering God is the first step to becoming wise, and understanding God’s holiness is true insight.

Proverbs 14:26-27 (KJV) “In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.”

Meaning: Reverence for God brings security and life, protecting us from danger.

Ecclesiastes 8:12 (KJV) “Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him.”

Meaning: Those who revere God will ultimately fare better than those who continually do evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (KJV) “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

Meaning: The essence of life is to respect God and obey His commands, as all actions will be judged by God.

Psalm 33:8 (KJV) “Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.”

Meaning: Everyone should reverence and be in awe of God.

Psalm 44:21 (KJV) “Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.”

Meaning: God knows everything, even the hidden thoughts in our hearts.

Psalm 89:7 (KJV) “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.”

Meaning: God should be revered and honored, especially among His followers.

Psalm 111:9-10 (KJV) “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.”

Meaning: God's holiness and reverence are eternal. Respect for Him is the start of wisdom and understanding.

Proverbs 29:25 (KJV) “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.”

Meaning: Fearing people can trap you, but trusting God brings safety.

Jeremiah 5:22-25 (KJV) “Fear ye not me? saith the Lord: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it? But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone. Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the Lord our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest. Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you.”

Meaning: God is mighty and deserves our reverence. A rebellious heart fails to recognize God’s power and provision.

2 Peter 3:10 (KJV) “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”

Meaning: The fear of God includes a healthy respect for His coming judgment and the end times.

Galatians 6:7 (KJV) “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

Meaning: There are consequences for actions. What you do will come back to you, reflecting God's justice.

Hebrews 4:13 (KJV) “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

Meaning: Nothing is hidden from God; everything is exposed before Him.

Luke 12:3 (KJV) “Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.”

Meaning: All secrets will be revealed, showing the need for honesty and reverence before God.

Colossians 3:22 (KJV) “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God.”

Meaning: Serve faithfully and sincerely, respecting God above all.

Overall, fearing the Lord means having a deep respect, reverence, and awe for God. It involves recognizing His power, obeying His commandments, and living in a way that honors Him.