Fear of God and Fear of Man

 
Fear of God is a natural feeling that gives us the same kind of security that a father who inspires deep respect gives to his children. Such fear also helps to banish the unpleasant, negative fear of man, which is a snare. (Proverbs 29:25) One who did not learn this lesson was Urijah, the son of Shemaiah, who preached in Jerusalem along with Jeremiah before 607 B.C.E. Unlike Jeremiah, Urijah allowed fear of the king to ensnare him. He stopped preaching and fled from his assignment. Eventually, the king caught him and had him killed. (Jeremiah 26:20-23) How could Urijah have avoided that sad fate? By developing a fear of Jehovah that was stronger than his fear of man.
 
Jesus, after his resurrection and ascension to heaven, counseled his followers: “Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer.” (Revelation 2:10) History demonstrates the need of that counsel, since Christians—from the Roman arenas to the Nazi concentration camps—have faced terrifying situations. How have they been able to conquer the fear their enemies tried to inspire? By applying Jesus’ words: “Do not fear those who kill the body and after this are not able to do anything more. But I will indicate to you whom to fear: Fear him who after killing has authority to throw into Gehenna.”—Luke 12:4, 5.
 
At Psalm 19:9 we are taught: “The fear of Jehovah is pure, standing forever. The judicial decisions of Jehovah are true; they have proved altogether righteous.” So there is nothing negative about the fear of God. It is pure and protective and makes a servant of God stronger than his enemies. Like Jesus, a Christian finds satisfaction in this fear in the same way that he enjoys all other blessings from Jehovah.—Isaiah 11:3.
 
Hence, it is entirely appropriate for the angel to urge all mankind today to fear God. Without proper godly fear, we will likely give in to wrong impulses or succumb to fear of man. If we cultivate the proper form of fear, we will be helped to act wisely. “The fear of Jehovah is the start of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 111:10) 

True, we should love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:30) And we should also be in awe of him, respecting him, or, in the words of the angel, “fear God and give him glory, because the hour of the judgment by him has arrived.”—Revelation 14:7.