Being afraid of something doesn’t sound preferable, but throughout the Bible we see benefits from fearing the Lord. Find out what that can look like for us today and what we’ll experience when we do!
Receive
The fear of the Lord is the starting place for wisdom and it leads to a never-ending friendship with a loving God. Scripture reveals that fearing the Lord is intended to comfort us not to scare us. Because the more we understand God’s character, the more we are compelled to revere Him. God’s Word guides us to express our fear of the Lord through right living, rejecting evil, and clinging to what is good.
Reflect
* Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you?
* Matthew 1:20 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%201%3A20%20&version=NIV )
* Matthew 2:22 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%202%3A22%20&version=NIV )
* Matthew 9:1-8 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%209%3A1-8%20&version=NIV )
* Acts 13:16, 26, 43 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2013%3A16%2C%2026%2C%2043%20&version=NIV )
* 1 Peter 1:1 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter%201%3A1%20&version=NIV )
* 1 Peter 5:12-13 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter%205%3A12-13%20&version=NIV )
* Revelation 19:4-10 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2019%3A4-10%20&version=NIV )
* John 4:13-18 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%204%3A13-18%20&version=NIV )
* Matthew 10:26-31 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2010%3A26-31%20&version=NIV ) helps the disciples understand how much God cares for them—and how much He’s in control, even during tribulations. How does this encourage you to know that God is on your side?
* Acts 10:1-2, 34-35 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2010%3A1-2%2C%2034-35%20&version=NIV ) shows that those who fear God leave an openness to be surprised with how He works. How does this encourage you to look for God’s mighty presence and expansive invitation in your life?
* 1 Peter 2:11-17 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter%202%3A11-17%20&version=NIV ) summarizes a picture of what it looks like to fear God (live in freedom, respect everyone, love the family of believers, honor authority). How does keeping God first in these kinds of ways help you live in the world better?
* Revelation 14:6-8 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2014%3A6-8%20&version=NIV ) shows that the fear of the Lord is linked to God’s judgment which can lead to worship and praise. How does this fear of the Lord draw you closer into relationship with Him?
Respond
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)
“Jesus, help me demonstrate my reverence for God by living in His freedom, respecting others, loving fellow believers, and honoring the authorities He has placed in my life. Help me see how putting God first in these kinds of ways leads me to live well.”
Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources
Mentioned in this episode:
* Explore the DTW archives ( https://go.odb.org/dtwseries )
Listen:
* Proverbial Wisdom ( https://go.odb.org/proverbial-wisdom-dtw )
* A Life of Wisdom and the Proverbs 31 Woman ( https://go.odb.org/a-life-of-wisdom-and-the-proverbs-31-woman )
Read:
* Reverent Fear ( https://go.odb.org/reverent-fear-dtw )
* Understanding the Bible: The Wisdom Books ( https://go.odb.org/understanding-the-bible-the-wisdom-books )
Watch:
* Mount Arbel – Sermon on the Mount and the Great Commission ( https://go.odb.org/mt-abrel )
Discover the Word Podcast
Episode 252
February 22, 2026
★ Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/813919f4
★ Additional episodes: https://discovertheword.org/