Attitudes everywhere seem to be changing. Things that were once highly respected are now disdained and rejected. Some people are said to be “woke.” The current generation shows little respect for anything – even themselves. Pleasure has become the goal of the day and following one’s own will.

It seems that this godless attitude is even prevalent among many professing believers. Even many lost people in this country once had a “fear of God,” which was sufficient to restrain a lot of evil. Now, it seems that the fear of the Lord is not present – except in a few.

How to define “fear of God”? It is not difficult. Proverbs itself gives us a good idea. The phrase “fear of the LORD” occurs 14 times in the book. Proverbs 16:6 says: “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” This verse reveals that it is an attitude that causes men to “depart from evil.”

It is not a fear that causes one to think that God will beat them over the head with a club when you step out of line. Rather, it is a deep-rooted growing love for God and His truth and fellowship with Him that you do not want to disrupt or lose. The joy and peace gained from that fellowship cannot be replaced by anything this world offers – why would anyone want something else? Of course, as Proverbs 16:6 hints – evil (sin) will be forsaken.

Notice another facet of the “fear of the Lord.” Proverbs 19:23 reveals: “The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.” The “life” promised in this verse is not biological life – but an abundant life that only God can give. Notice also the phrase “shall abide satisfied.” It could also be said they will be content – something that very few people have today.

A third verse says: “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life” (Proverbs 22:4). True wealth is not measured in dollars and cents – which can disappear faster than it comes.

The things worth having, as one grows in the Lord and in the knowledge of Him, will bring the lasting riches, the honor, and the kind of life that is worth having – without regrets.

The fear of God is very much needed today. The first occurrence of the phrase “fear of the Lord” is in Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” It reveals that you cannot understand God’s ways or will apart from having the “fear of the Lord.” He wants to teach you many valuable things, but you cannot learn them apart from a right attitude toward sin and God.