Learning to Fear the Lord: Lessons from Psalm 34:11

What if learning to fear the Lord wasn’t about being afraid, but about discovering wisdom and peace?

“Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.” Psalm 34:11 NIV

David’s invitation in this verse is both tender and authoritative. As a loving father calls his children near to impart wisdom, David invites us to come and learn the fear of the Lord—a concept central to our walk with God. In this verse, we not only hear a call to action but also an invitation to understand a deeper reverence for God that transforms our lives.

Psalm 34:11 Teaches Us to Fear God

Psalm 34:11 teaches us to fear God by highlighting the importance of learning and cultivating a proper understanding of who God is and how we are to respond to Him. This verse emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is not instinctual but a practice we must cultivate. David’s words, “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord,” present a few key lessons about fearing God.

Hebrew Word Study: “Fear” (Yirah) and “Listen” (Shama)

The Hebrew word for “fear” in this verse is yirah (יראה), which conveys:

• Deep reverence, awe, and respect rather than terror.
• A recognition of God’s majesty and holiness that leads to worship and obedience.
• A reverence that keeps us rooted in God’s sovereignty while drawing us closer to His loving nature.

Proverbs 9:10 underscores this connection:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Here, yirah serves as the starting point for:

• Godly wisdom
• Knowledge aligned with truth

The word “listen” in this verse comes from the Hebrew word shama (שָׁמַע), which means:

• To hear with attention or to pay heed.
• To respond actively to what is being said.

Shama is not passive hearing but:

• Active listening that requires a response.
• Listening that involves obedience and a willing heart.

Together, yirah and shama emphasize the active and relational nature of fearing God. This fear isn’t merely about feeling awe or reverence; it’s about:

• Listening to God’s voice.
• Learning from His Word.
• Living in a way that reflects this fear through obedience and worship.

Extended Word Study:

Come | lekhu

• Root word: הלך (halak)
• Meaning: To walk, go, or come. This word conveys the action of movement, often symbolizing a purposeful approach or journey. Here, it is an invitation to approach with intent.

Children | banim

• Root word: בן (ben)
• Meaning: Sons or children. While it refers to offspring, it can also be used more broadly to address disciples or those who follow a teacher, signifying a relationship of nurture and instruction.

Teach | allamdechem

• Root word: למד (lamad)
• Meaning: To instruct or impart knowledge. In Hebrew, lamad carries a sense of both learning and teaching, indicating a relational and interactive process.

Lord | YHWH

• Meaning: The covenant name of God, often rendered as “LORD” in English translations. This sacred name emphasizes God’s eternal and self-existent nature.

What Other Scriptures Teach About Fearing the Lord

1. Deuteronomy 6:24:
   “The Lord commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the Lord our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive.”
   This verse shows that the fear of the Lord is both a command and a protective blessing. It aligns with Psalm 34:11 by highlighting that this fear isn’t punitive but a gift meant to guide us into obedience and life.
2. Proverbs 2:5:
   “Then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”
   Like Psalm 34:11, this verse connects learning and understanding with fearing God. Both verses show that fearing the Lord is the result of seeking His truth and wisdom.
3. Isaiah 33:6:
   “He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.”
   This verse affirms that fearing God unlocks spiritual blessings. Psalm 34:11 complements this by teaching us that fear is learned through relationship and instruction.

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Psalm 34:11 beautifully unpacks what it means to fear the Lord, emphasizing the importance of learning, relationship, and transformation. David’s words, “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord,” invite us not only to hear but to actively engage with this profound truth. By examining these phrases, we uncover a rich understanding of how fearing God is taught, experienced in relationship, and lived out daily. Learning to fear the Lord isn’t an instant process—it’s something we actively cultivate through reverence, obedience, and deepening relationship. Let’s dive into these key lessons and explore how they shape our walk with the Lord.

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1. Fearing God Is a Teachable Concept

David calls us to draw near and learn, much like a parent patiently teaching a child. Fearing God isn’t something we naturally know how to do—it’s a practice that grows as we listen to His Word and allow it to shape us.

2. It’s Relational, Not Just Rules

The phrase “Come, my children” reflects a relational invitation. It reminds us that fearing God begins with knowing Him personally. This relational fear is grounded in His holiness and love, transforming our understanding of obedience into a joyful response rather than a duty.

3. It Requires Active Listening and Submission

David’s call to “listen” teaches us that fearing God involves humility—a willingness to hear and respond to His guidance. As shama suggests, this isn’t passive but requires intentional engagement with God’s Word and His Spirit.

4. Fearing God Transforms How We Live

Psalm 34:11 shows that fearing God isn’t just an attitude but a way of life. It influences how we think, act, and prioritize, shaping us to honor God in all we do.

As we reflect on the lessons from Psalm 34:11, it’s essential to consider how these truths can take root in our hearts and transform our daily lives. The fear of the Lord is not just a concept to understand but a way of living that draws us closer to Him. Let these questions and practical steps help you explore how to cultivate a deeper reverence for God and align your life with His purpose.

Reflection Questions

1. How do you view “fearing the Lord” as reverence instead of terror?
2. What distractions might be keeping you from listening to God actively?
3. How can you apply the relational nature of fearing God in your daily walk?

Points of Application

1. Seek Wisdom: Reflect on Proverbs 2:5 and pray for a deeper understanding of God’s majesty.
2. Pause and Listen: Spend 10 minutes in quiet meditation with Scripture.
3. Embrace Relationship: View the fear of the Lord as part of knowing and loving Him, rather than simply following rules.

A Personal Note from Erin

Friend, Psalm 34:11 reminds us of the beauty of God’s invitation to learn from Him. He doesn’t leave us to figure it out on our own—He lovingly guides us into a deeper understanding of who He is and how we can honor Him. As you continue learning to fear the Lord, may you find His wisdom, peace, and presence surrounding you in every moment.

Stay wildly faithful.
xoxox,
Erin

Did you enjoy this post, “Learning to Fear the Lord”? Continue exploring the rest of our Psalm 34 series here.

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