1 John 4:16-18
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 17 In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. NIV
The 'fear' in Proverbs has more to do with reverence than being frightened. We are great security in God's love for us.
John
NZ
have you looked up the word fear in ancient greek? I have and it doesnt just mean "reverence". If they only expected reverence than they wouldnt say fear. Also look at the context of that statement and who wrote it! Saints live a life that they are unaware of any sins that they commit. The 21st century is a lot different to that time, and unless your some saint i would be a bit more concerned. Or do you live in perfect love? i doubt it. Oh I can quote scripture too!
Matthew 7: 21-23
21 Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
22 Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?"
23 And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness."
yeh, not so much security there, looks like you should be extra careful.
Genesis
22:12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."
Exodus
14:31 And when the Israelites saw the great power the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.
deutoronomy
5:29 Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!
Jeremiah
5:22-24 Should you not fear me?" declares the Lord. "Should you not tremble in my presence? I made the sand a boundary for the sea, an everlasting barrier it cannot cross. The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail; they may roar, but they cannot cross it. But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts; they have turned aside and gone away. They do not say to themselves, 'Let us fear the Lord our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.'
Did you read that? it said "Should you not tremble in my presence"!!!!!!theres heaps more but if your another christian who likes ignoring the old testament than ill give you some from the New.
Acts
7:30-32 "After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to look more closely, he heard the Lord's voice: 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.' Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look.
Ephesians
6:5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
1 Peter
3:14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened."
1:17 Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.
- note how reverent is followed by fear. A distinction is made.
Revelation
15:4 Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed."
19:5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying: "Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!"
I think the apostles, prophets and saints knew exactly how to conduct themselves when it came to God. Dont pick and choose the aspects of God you like and ignore the rest because they mess up your hippy go lovey notion of God. Clearly God is too be feared, and Jesus tells you why
Luke
12:4-5 "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.
Now, if you still have that hippy go lovey God which countless folks love to idealise in their mind, lol you need a reality check. Life aint all fairies and unicorns. Afterall, the very measure of your soul is at stake! Eternal Judgement!! If thats not scary for you, nothing is.