When we think of fear as a negative emotion we try to eliminate it. We therefore lose sight of
the fact that fear can also be constructive. Fear motivates us to drive cautiously even when in a great hurry, and fear
makes a diabetic adhere to his diet and take his insulin daily.
Religion has often been criticized for advocating the fear of God. This criticism may be justified if we were conditioned
to think of God as an all-powerful being holding a huge club, ready to punish sinners for doing something wrong.
This kind of fear should be discouraged as motivation. Rather, fear of Yahveh should be understood to mean the fear of the
harmful consequences that are inherent in violating His Instructions. The Psalmist says that wickedness itself destroys the
wicked person. (Psalms 34:22)
"Blessed is the person who fears Yahveh" in the sense that "he has great desire for His commandments." It is only
natural for us to desire the very best, and the realization that observing His commandments is indeed in our best interest
should constitute the "fear" that should deter us from transgressing Yahveh Will.
