Definition
The type of fear God ultimately wants from us does not involve being afraid of or dreading him. This distressing feeling is incompatible with the perfect love he wants to develope in each human. The "fear" he seeks, which is based on his righteous character, is one that reveres, honors and worships him in peace and love.
1John 4:8, 16, 18, HBFV
The one who does not love does not know God because God is love . . . And we have known and have believed the love that God has toward us. God is love, and the one who dwells in love is dwelling in God, and God in him.
There is no fear [dread, terror] in the love of God; rather, perfect love casts out fear because fear has torment. And the one who fears has not been made perfect in the love of God.
2Timothy 1:7, NKJV
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Romans 8:14 - 15, HBFV
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. Now you have not received a spirit of bondage again unto fear, but you have received the Spirit of sonship, whereby we call out, "Abba, Father."
Fear (Reverence) Is Good
Proverbs 1:7, NIV
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Proverbs 8:13, NLT
All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech.
Ecclesiastes 12:13, ASV
This is the end of the matter; all hath been heard: fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.
1Peter 2:17, NKJV
Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
Ephesians 5:18, 21, NKJV
And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit . . . submitting to one another in the fear of God.
Romans 13:7, ASV
Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
Do Not Be Afraid
Deuteronomy 3:21 - 22, ESV
And I [Moses] commanded Joshua at that time, 'Your eyes have seen all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings. So will the Lord do to all the kingdoms into which you are crossing. You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you.'
Matthew 10:25 - 26, NKJV
It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!
Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.
Matthew 10:28, KJV
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul . . .
Psalm 46:1 - 2, NIV
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea . . .
Psalm 112:1, 7, ESV
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! . . . He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
1Peter 3:13 - 14, NKJV
And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled."
Blessings
Proverbs 19:23, NET
Fearing [reverencing] the Lord leads to life, and one who does so will live satisfied; he will not be afflicted by calamity.
Proverbs 14:27, NIV
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.
Luke 1:46, 49 - 50, WEB
Mary [Jesus' mother] said, "My soul magnifies the Lord . . . For he who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name. His mercy is for generations of generations on those who fear him."
Hebrews 2:14 - 15, CEV
We are people of flesh and blood. That is why Jesus became one of us. He died to destroy the devil, who had power over death. But he also died to rescue all of us who live each day in fear of dying.
Psalm 112:1 - 3, NIV
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
End Time Call to Repent
Revelation 14:6 - 7, WEB
I saw an angel flying in mid heaven, having an eternal Good News to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth, and to every nation, tribe, language, and people.
He said with a loud voice, "Fear the Lord, and give him glory; for the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and the springs of waters!"
Fearful Are Punished
Revelation 21:8, NKJV
But the cowardly [the timid or fearful], unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.