Fear is both a response and a powerful motivator, so if we are to live rightly, it is crucial that our fear be rightly placed. Proverbs says, "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." In our pursuit of wisdom, we must start with understanding this fear of God and why it must characterize every Christian. What does it actually mean to fear God, and why is it of critical importance?

Note: Though the Bible mostly commands God's people to not fear men, Leviticus 19:3 does use the Hebrew word "yare" (fear) to refer to one's honoring and obeying of mother and father. This does not mean parents hold the same place as the Lord in a person's life. However, it does show that a child's relationship to his or her earthly parents often lays the groundwork for proper fear of the Lord.