2 Cor 7:1 Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God NLT
I heard someone say God didn't want us to fear Him but rather, He want us to love Him. Another preacher said that the fear of God is not the beginning of wisdom but the love of God is the beginning of wisdom. That's a gross misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the scriptures.
If the bible says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, that's exactly what the bible meant and nothing more. I don't subscribe to twisting what is clearly written.
The problem here is that those who hold this view do not understand what it means to fear God in context of those texts where we were enjoined to fear God.
The fear implied here is reverential fear not a crippling fear. When you exhibit a crippling fear, it can paralyse your relationship and affection for someone. At that, we can say that you're afraid of that fellow but in this matter, the fear of God refers to total reverence and honour for the Lord.
God doesn't want us to be afraid of Him but He want us to fear (reverence) him. Whether in the old or new testament, we must continue to reverence the Lord.
In the new testament, Apostle Paul in 2Cor 7:1 said we should perfect holiness in the fear of God. Jesus drove out money exchangers out of the temple because of their irreverent act. Don't be deceived, the fear of the Lord is still the beginning of wisdom. That is what shows that you're on the path of wisdom.
Your love for God would drive you to fear(reverence) Him without looking back. The proof of reverential fear for God is love for God and the proof of loving God is in purity and Christlikeness.
Father, I receive grace to fear you In Jesus name