The meaning of the Fear of God

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. Ecclesiastes 12:13

There are many today who have a false conception of the word “fear” used in connection with a healthy respect for the Lord.  The following excerpt puts the true meaning of “fear” into perspective.

Many words in the English language have several strikingly different definitions. For example, anger can mean unbridled temper or it can mean righteous indignation. Love can mean lust or unconditional commitment. Normally we think of fear as an unpleasant emotion tied to anxious concern or outright terror of being harmed. But there is another definition of fear that can lead to something good and wonderful. The fear of God is complete awe and respect for him, a realization that everything he says about love and justice is true. Because God is great and mighty, and because he holds the power of life and death in his hands, a healthy and reverent fear of him helps us to respond to him as we should. This draws us closer to him and to the blessings he gives. 1

1 Beers, Gilbert; Beers, Ron. The One Year Mini for Men (p. 117). Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.. Kindle Edition.