Basking in the Benefits of the Fear of the Lord

The benefits of fearing the Lord are worth basking in. In my survey of the Scriptures, I identified three categories concerning the benefits of the fear of the Lord—with God, with others, and with ourselves. Some of the categories overlap, but I have assigned most to just one category for simplicity.

The first beneficial category of the fear of the Lord involves our relationship with the Lord. At the top of the list, we are acceptable to God (Acts 10:35). Not only are we acceptable to God, but we have a friendship with Him (Psa 25:14). Furthermore, His eye is on those who fear Him (Psa 33:18). With His eye on us, He shows compassion (Psa 103:13), steadfast love (Psa 103:17), mercy (Luke 1:50), goodness (Psa 31:19), deliverance (Psa 34:7), direction (Psa 25:12), help, and protection (Psa 115:11). Also, those who fear the Lord have the great benefit of being in the book of remembrance and will be spared at the end times (Mal 3:16-18).

The second beneficial category of the fear of the Lord deals with our relationships with others. Interestingly, when we fear the Lord, it has positive effects on our families. For example, in Psalm 128:1-4, when a husband fears the Lord, his wife benefits by being a fruitful vine at home and his children will be useful and possess well-being.^[1] Also, the children of those who fear the Lord will have a refuge (Prov 14:26). Furthermore, their children will fear the Lord for their own good (Jer 32:39). It is beautiful benefit to those who fear the Lord to be able to bless their families!

The third beneficial category reflected in those who fear the Lord is themselves. Michael Reeves rightly states, “In fact, in essential matters—in knowing God, ourselves, and the nature and story of the universe—the fear of the Lord makes believers more knowledgeable than the greatest geniuses, and wiser than the wisest sages.”[2] Scripture backs Reeves’ statement up as wisdom and knowledge have their beginnings (foundations or source) in the fear of the Lord (Psa 111:10; Prov 9:10). Also, those who fear the Lord have riches and honors as God defines (Prov 22:4). In fact, they lack nothing (Psa 34:9). The fear of the Lord prolongs (quality or quantity of) life (Prov 10:27). Furthermore, the fear of the Lord is a “fountain of life” (happiness, healthiness, energy, vitality, and exuberance) (Prov 14:27). Certainly, the fear of the Lord gives one strong confidence (Prov 14:26) in light of all the benefits it offers.

Fear of the Lord can be described as awe, respect, or reverence. With this definition in mind, some secular studies discovered truths found in Scriptures.[3] For instance, a study in 2015 showed that those who have awe of something have better immune health. Also, in a 2018 study, awe of something promoted greater humility, more balanced view of their strengths, weaknesses, and ability to acknowledge other’s contributions to their own personal accomplishments. Furthermore, an Emotion study in 2018 revealed after experiences of awe, PTSD decreased but general happiness, satisfaction with life, and social well-being improved. Contemporary studies discover timeless truths from God that reap many benefits!

What benefits do you especially like for those who fear the Lord?

What benefits have you enjoyed lately? Take some time and thank the Lord for those benefits.

Take some time this week and bask in the benefits of fearing the Lord!

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^[1] John H Walton, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary (Old Testament): The Minor Prophets, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, vol. 5 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009), 426.

[2] Michael Reeves, Rejoice and Tremble: The Surprising Good News of the Fear of the Lord (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2021), 137.

[3] Ibid., 81-82.