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Fear of God
The Greatness of FearFear of God involves pain and effort, but a person who considers the good that can be gained from it will not be concerned about how much trouble he has. Nevertheless, fear of God does not bring about any physical damage or monetary loss. On the contrary, it will extend a person’s life
The pain and effort involved in fear of God are insignificant when considering the benefits:
There is no doubt that if a person uses his judgment, he will realize that it is worthwhile to suffer great toil and trouble for a period of time in order to achieve an exalted goal or a great honor. This is the case even though, while he is going through the toil and trouble, he undoubtedly experiences pain and suffering. But when he considers the great honor or exalted goal he wants to attain through the trouble and effort, he will see it as insignificant when compared with the good he will attain. This is also true regarding fear of God, may He be blessed, as we have said. For when a person considers the elevated status he can attain through the fear, reflecting on God’s great loftiness and exaltedness until it brings him to fear Him and tremble before Him, he will not worry about all of the trouble, effort, suffering, and anxiety that he experiences through fear.
Fear of God adds to a person’s lifespan and does not cause damage:
For fear of God is unlike fear of flesh and blood. For someone who fears a man, a king, or a minister will always be in a state of fear and anxiety, and this will [take its toll on his health and] shorten his life. But the anxiety involved in fear of God will not only not shorten his life, but, as Solomon says: “The fear of the Lord will add days” (Proverbs 10:27). Similarly, even though it is natural for a faint-hearted person to have children who are likewise faint-hearted, and this trait will prevent him from becoming wealthy and holding on to his wealth, for because of his constant fear he will not do what he wants properly, yet David said: “Happy is the man who fears the Lord and who greatly delights in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth” (Psalms 112:1-2)…For fear of God does not shorten life or diminish wealth; nor does it bring about bad results, as does fear of flesh and blood.
Further reading: For more on how covering the head is beneficial for bringing about fear of Heaven, see A Concise Guide to the Sages, p. 346.
When a person fears God he is able to stand up to the tests and difficulties that he encounters. God does not present anyone with a test unless it is for his benefit; and in order to pass a test, a person needs fear of heaven, which is evaluated through the test.
The foundation of fear of God is the experience of being tested. For the degree to which a person is God-fearing becomes apparent through the test…The Holy One, blessed be He, only has someone undergo a test when He wants to do something good for him. Then the accuser, identified with the attribute of strict judgment, comes before the Holy One, blessed be He, and says: “Master of the universe, You cannot possibly do good to him unless he passes a test.” Therefore, a righteous person will take an oath that he will conquer his evil inclination.
For the purpose of the entire Torah, including all of its commandments, prohibitions, promises, and anecdotes, is one thing: to fear Him, may He be elevated.
An engaging mitzva and a great, high, and fortified wall up to the heavens that never abandons a person is fear of heaven, as it is stated: “Rather, be in fear of the Lord all day” (Proverbs 23:17). The sun of fear of God will shine on the soul and all that is hidden within it, dominating his thoughts day and night.
Further reading: The binding of Isaac was one of the most difficult of tests, and resulted in God giving Abraham the title “God-fearing.” For more on the binding of Isaac, see A Concise Guide to the Torah, p. 45; A Concise Guide to the Sages, pp. 23, 30.