Psalm 111:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.” The word “fear” doesn’t always mean something negative. Fear of the Lord is healthy and essential to living a godly life! The Scriptures tell us that the beginning of wisdom starts with a healthy fear of the Lord: that is, a recognition of his mighty power, authority over heaven and earth, and constant presence in our lives. Understanding and holding reverence for who God is will provide a firm foundation for every child as she or he grows in the Lord.

The starting point for learning godly fear is the Bible. Parents and caregivers need to share with children what the Bible says about God's nature and character, his love and infinite power, his expectations of all human beings (including children), and his established consequences for good and bad behavior. A simple definition of wisdom is "a clear understanding of how God's good world works." As we teach our children about God and how his world works, their faith in him will grow stronger.