fearing God Is The Beginning Of Wisdom pastor James The Bible states that "fearing God" is the beginning of wisdom and understanding, encompassing a reverence for God's authority and a hatred of evil. It is also described as the whole duty of humanity, the source of life, and the foundation for living faithfully and with a perfect heart. The importance of fearing God Beginning of wisdom: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10). Whole duty of man: "Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man" (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Source of life: "The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death" (Proverbs 14:27). What fearing God entails Hatred of evil: Fearing God includes a hatred for evil and a desire to turn away from it (Proverbs 8:13, 16:6). Obedience and wisdom: It is linked to taking God's instruction, regarding reproof, and having a good understanding that comes from keeping His commandments (Proverbs 15:5, Psalm 111:10). Awe and reverence: This fear is an awe-filled reverence, not one based on terror or punishment. For example, in 2 Chronicles 19:9, the fear of the Lord is mentioned in the context of doing things "faithfully, and with a perfect heart God Loves You So Do I