What does the Bible say about the fear of god?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that the fear of God is a reverent, trusting awe that turns us from sin and leads us into wisdom, obedience, and life. Proverbs 9:10 and Psalm 111:10 call it the beginning of wisdom, while Proverbs 8:13 defines it as hatred of evil, pride, and perverse speech. This fear is not the anxious dread of those condemned, for God gives His children not a spirit of fear but power, love, and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7), and perfect love casts out tormenting fear (1 John 4:18). Therefore believers work out their salvation with humble seriousness, trusting that God Himself works in them (Philippians 2:12-13).
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 9:10 6 votes
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
- Proverbs 8:13 5 votes
The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 3 votes
For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
- Philippians 2:12-13 2 votes
So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now 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.
- Psalms 111:10 2 votes
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. All those who do his work have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
- 1 John 4:18 2 votes
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.
- Proverbs 1:7 2 votes
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge, but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
- Proverbs 10:27 2 votes
The fear of Yahweh prolongs days, but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
- Isaiah 41:10 2 votes
Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
- Proverbs 19:23 2 votes
The fear of Yahweh leads to life, then contentment; he rests and will not be touched by trouble.
Related topics
Go deeper
Ask Explain Bible AI about the fear of god and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.
Ask what the Bible says about the fear of god