The Fear of the Lord

In Proverbs 1:7...

The fear of the Lord is an attitude of respect toward God, which includes a healthy dread of displeasing Him. The fear of the Lord is about reverence toward God, respect for Him, love and appreciation, holding Him
  and His beloved Son in high esteem. And this is the attitude necessary in order   for us to know and do what's right!

So if I want knowledge -- I must   have this attitude! If I want to know and do what's right before God; if I want
  to learn to make ethical and moral distinctions to please God - this attitude must find residence in my heart: The fear of the Lord.

The reason many do not take God's Word seriously is, they do not have this attitude. They have no foundation of respect for God in their hearts. As a result of the absence of this kind of fear, they read or hear God's commandments and react: "I don't  want  to do that . . . I don't see anything wrong with this . . . I don't think  I'm  going to hell if I do this or neglect that!!" Without the fear of the Lord, there is no reason (in their hearts) to respect Him and obey Him. Faithful service to God and obedience to Christ is rooted in the FEAR OF THE LORD.
Read full article at: http://www.bible.ca/ef/expository-proverbs-1-7.htm