Bible Verses About Fear to Overcome Your Own | What Does the Bible Say About Fear And Anxiety?

What Does the Bible Say About Fear?

 Fear is a prevalent theme throughout the Bible, appearing in various forms and contexts. From the fear of God to the fear of the unknown, the Bible highlights the complexity and importance of this emotion. This article will explore the various instances of fear in the Bible, how it is portrayed, and what we can learn from it.

Fear of God

The most prominent type of fear in the Bible is the fear of God. This is not a fear born out of terror or dread, but rather a reverential fear that acknowledges the majesty and power of God. It is a recognition that God is the ultimate authority and that we must submit to His will. This type of fear is often referred to as the "fear of the Lord" in the Bible.

One example of this type of fear is found in the book of Proverbs: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10). This verse emphasizes the importance of fearing God as the first step towards gaining wisdom and understanding.

Another example of the fear of God can be found in the book of Job. A job is a man who fears God and turns away from evil. When Satan challenges God about Job's faithfulness, God allows Satan to test Job's faith. Job suffers greatly, losing his wealth, his children, and his health. However, through it all, Job remains faithful to God and continues to fear Him.

The fear of God is also seen in the New Testament. In the book of Luke, when Jesus is calming a storm, His disciples are filled with fear and amazement. They recognize that Jesus has power over nature and fear His authority (Luke 8:22-25).

Fear of Punishment

Another type of fear that appears in the Bible is the fear of punishment. This fear is born out of the belief that disobedience to God's commands will result in punishment. This type of fear is often used as a motivator to encourage people to follow God's laws.

One example of this type of fear can be found in the book of Deuteronomy. Moses reminds the Israelites of the consequences of disobedience: "And if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments and his statutes that I command you today, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you" (Deuteronomy 28:15).

Another example of the fear of punishment is seen in the book of Revelation. The book describes the end of the world and the judgment of God. Those who have not followed God's commands are punished with eternal separation from God: "But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death" (Revelation 21:8).

Fear of the Unknown

The fear of the unknown is a common human emotion that is also found in the Bible. This fear is born out of uncertainty and the sense of not knowing what will happen next.

One example of this type of fear can be found in the book of Exodus. When the Israelites are fleeing Egypt, they are pursued by Pharaoh and his army. As they approach the Red Sea, the Israelites are filled with fear and cry out to Moses: "Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'?