The Hebrew word "yare" means reverence and awe but is not limited to that. It also means fear, fearful and afraid. I want to spend time expounding this over the next few weeks.
If we fear anything other than God, we are being deceived from the truth of God's Word. God is the only Person, Deity, or object in the universe worthy of our fear.
Psalms 76:4-7 ESV Glorious are you, more majestic than the mountains full of prey. (5) The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil; they sank into sleep; all the men of war were unable to use their hands. (6) At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both rider and horse lay stunned. (7) But you, you are to be feared! Who can stand before you when once your anger is roused?
Matthew 10:26-28 ESV “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. (27) What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. (28) And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Luke 12:4-5 ESV “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. (5) But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!