What does Psalm 34:11 mean? [⇑ See verse text ⇑]

David invites young people to receive instruction from him. In ancient writing, students were sometimes referred to as children, or sons. His lesson here is what it means to "fear" God and the results of that approach. In a biblical context, "fear" of God does not mean dread, but a worshipful respect.

The Bible instructs fathers to teach their children about God and His ways. In Deuteronomy 6, Moses informed the fathers of Israel of their duty to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and might, to teach the law of the Lord diligently to their children, and to talk about His law throughout each day (Deuteronomy 6:4–7). In Proverbs 1:7 Solomon says, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge." In the following verse he addresses his son—or, possibly, a student—imploring him, "hear, my son, your father's instruction" (Proverbs 1:8).

The New Testament likewise instructs fathers to educate their children in God's ways. Ephesians 6:4 says, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." Fathers who lavish material goods on their children but withhold spiritual instruction fail to provide what counts most in life: instruction about the fear of the Lord.