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

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

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