Proverbs 9: 10

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy one is understanding.

The idea of ‘fearing’ God comes up often through out the Bible I remember when I was younger being confused by this. I am not a Hebrew expert but I believe that the word used here in this text for fear is the Hebrew word yirah, which means piety and reverence not terror. So as we honor and revere God we will gain wisdom and understanding.