What does the Bible say about fear of God?

The fear of God is an essential theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing reverence and awe in the presence of His holiness. As seen in Proverbs 1:7, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.' This concept suggests that true understanding starts with recognizing God's authority and majesty. Both Manoah and his wife demonstrated this fear when they encountered the angel of the Lord, falling on their faces in reverence. This reaction illustrates the proper response to God's holiness—acknowledging His power and supremacy over life and death. Moreover, the absence of such fear in contemporary religion can lead to irreverence and a lack of understanding of God’s true nature.