FEAR (OF GOD)

A feeling of reverence, awe, and respect directed toward God that is healthy.

A healthy fear is reverence or respect. The Bible teaches that children are to respect their parents <Lev. 19:3>, wives are to respect their husbands <Eph. 5:33>, and slaves are to respect their masters <Eph. 6:5>. The Scriptures also declare that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" <Prov. 1:7> as well as "the beginning of wisdom" <Prov. 16:16>.

(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary)

(Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

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