“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”
Proverbs 9:10
One powerful lesson I learned from The Awe of God by John Bevere is how essential it is to have a holy fear of God. This isn’t about being scared of God like you’d fear a monster it’s about reverence, respect, and understanding His authority. It’s foundational to living a righteous life.
It reminds me of childhood. Remember being in school and knowing not to act up like the other kids because you knew your mom didn’t play? That belt was real! Sure, sometimes you slipped up, and that sinking feeling in your stomach came when you knew discipline was coming. That’s what holy fear feels like it keeps you in check because you know God sees everything: every thought, every action. Nothing is hidden from Him.
Every morning, we should thank God for His mercy. Because if you’ve read the Bible, then you know God wasn’t playing back in the day. The Israelites? Oh, they were getting whooped. He’s so full of grace and I wish people understood how generous He’s being with us.
If you have siblings, you get it. The youngest one usually gets more grace, while the oldest got the strict discipline. Or compare it to kids now versus how we grew up. We knew not to talk back, not to touch things in the store, not to be in grown folks’ business. Today’s kids? Different story. The grace from parents now is real—and it's similar with God. His grace is abundant.
“By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.”
Proverbs 16:6 (ESV)
But let’s not get it twisted, He’s still the same God. Just more patient. But the day is coming when His wrath will show again.
Let me walk you through some biblical examples where God dropped the hammer:
Biblical Examples of God's Judgment
(Each one is a wake-up call for us to walk in reverent fear.)
- Adam and Eve – Disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit, leading to the fall of mankind and their expulsion from Eden.
Lesson: Disobedience has serious consequences. - Cain – Killed his brother Abel out of jealousy and was cursed to be a restless wanderer.
Lesson: God sees the heart and punishes unrighteous anger. - The Nephilim and the Flood – Humanity’s wickedness caused God to flood the earth, sparing only Noah and his family.
Lesson: God will not strive with evil forever. - Sodom and Gomorrah – Cities destroyed by fire for their unrepentant sin.
Lesson: God’s mercy has limits when evil persists. - Pharaoh and the Plagues – Pharaoh’s hardened heart led to Egypt being struck with ten plagues.
Lesson: Pride can blind you to God's power. - The Israelites Complaining – After being delivered from Egypt, they kept complaining, resulting in years of wandering and judgment.
Lesson: Gratitude and trust in God are essential. - Miriam and Aaron – Moses' own siblings spoke against him and were punished (Miriam was struck with leprosy).
Lesson: Speaking against God’s anointed is dangerous. - Aaron’s Sons (Nadab and Abihu) – Offered unauthorized fire before the Lord and were consumed by fire.
Lesson: Holiness is not optional in God’s presence. - Korah’s Rebellion – Challenged Moses’ leadership and was swallowed by the earth.
Lesson: Challenging God’s order leads to destruction. - Moses Striking the Rock – Disobeyed God’s instruction and lost the chance to enter the Promised Land.
Lesson: Even leaders are held accountable. - Israel in the Promised Land – Even after receiving God's blessings, they fell into sin and were judged.
Lesson: Blessings don't exempt us from obedience.
There are so many stories showing that God is holy and takes sin seriously. And today, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us which many back then didn’t. If we think we can just do whatever and get away with it… we’re fooling ourselves.
That’s why we need to check ourselves daily. If you have that holy fear, it will guard your actions and decisions. We're not perfect, obviously. But we should strive to have the right heart posture, seeking to honor God with our choices. We are alive because of Him.
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Matthew 10:28
We serve a GOOD God everything He does is for our benefit. This is a war between good and evil. You choose what side you’re on.
“The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.”
Proverbs 8:13 (ESV)
A Warning and a Comfort
“Then you will say, ‘Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.’ That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear…”
Romans 11:19–22 (ESV)
This isn’t me preaching a “turn or burn” message. I know that’s been misused in the past. I just want you to understand how generous God is being with us right now. So thank Him, in the morning, before bed, when you arrive safely somewhere, when you get a blessing. He is on your side.
“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
Holy Fear vs. Worldly Fear
I know some may quote:
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
2 Timothy 1:7
But let’s make this clear: there's a difference between fear from the enemy and fear of the Lord. One keeps you in bondage; the other leads you into freedom through reverence.
Final Thought
Fear of the Lord isn’t meant to keep us paralyzed, it’s meant to keep us close to Him, walking in wisdom, humility, and reverence. He’s not trying to scare us, He’s trying to save us.
More Scriptures on the Fear of the Lord:
- Philippians 2:12–13 (ESV) – "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."
- Proverbs 1:7 (ESV) – "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."
- Proverbs 10:27 (ESV) – "The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short."
- Proverbs 19:23 (ESV) – "The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm."
- Job 28:28 (ESV) – "And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’"
- 2 Corinthians 5:11 (ESV) – "Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience."
- Proverbs 23:17 (ESV) – "Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day."
- Proverbs 22:4 (ESV) – "The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life."
Check out John Beveres video below on it to help grow your Fear of God.