By mercy and truth inquity is purged; and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil (Proverbs 16:6)

This makes perfect sense when thoughtfully considered, doesn't it? God is telling us through Solomon that the fear of the Lord is a motivating factor in fleeing evil and not wanting to participate in the things that offend God.

If we consider Genesis 39 where we see Joseph who was accosted by Potiphar's wife, wanting him to lie with her sexually, it is clear that Joseph is too concerned about offending God as we see in his response to her.

...how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? (Genesis 39:9b)

Joseph had no desire to sin against God, did he? Unfortunately for Joseph, his choice to not offend God seemed to work against him because he was falsely accused and placed in prison. However, years later he realized that all of that had been designed by God to place him second in command over all Egypt so that he could save his family and so that the nation of Israel would be born.

We Christians today have lost sight of what it means to faithfully, with due diligence, fear the Lord. We cannot hope to progress in our walk with the LORD if we do not maintain and grow a holy fear within us.

To be clear, the authentic Christian never has to worry about fearing God's judgment or wrath. Jesus took that on Himself in our place. But God will discipline those He loves (Hebrews 12:6), just as a loving parent will discipline his/her child.

If you would learn to fear the Lord, then understand that under the New Covenant (Jeremiah 32), He has promised to put His fear in our hearts. That is the first step. Beyond this, we Christians have the responsibility of doing the things that cause that fear to grow and consume our lives.