Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. ^{Ecclesiastes 12:13}

To fear God is to live in acknowledgment of who and what he truly is – the only living God, the creator of all things, the judge of our souls, whose wrath can utterly destroy us, yet whose great love can absolutely save us. Because of this, we live in awe (fear, even paralysis, and overwhelming possibility), respect, reverence, and obedience to our Father, who has total authority and power over everything. That is what the fear of the Lord means.

If we fear him, we are compelled to live in obedience to his word, strive to live according to his will, and conduct ourselves in a manner that pleases him. It is God who empowers us to do these things and grants us the wisdom to live our lives according to his plan.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom; and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. ^{Proverbs 8:10}