THE FEAR OF GOD: A PANACEA FOR SOCIAL VICES AND YOUTHFUL DELINQUENCY

Abstract

The fear of God entails loyalty to Him and, by extension, adherence to His directives, thereby influencing one’s values, beliefs, and moral conduct. The reverence for God manifested through modest submission and allegiance is fundamental to genuine wisdom, yet these principles appear to be notably absent, especially among the youth. The paper documented sufficient evidence of societal wrongdoing, including juvenile delinquency and socio religious transgressions. Numerous youngsters participate in riots, robberies, kidnappings, sexual misconduct, indiscriminate abortions, and drug use, which appear to be legitimised, resulting in societal passivity as these vices proliferate. This qualitative study examines Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 through the lens of hermeneutical principles, positing that a genuinely wise individual (hakham) perceives all aspects of life with reverence for God, whereas the idiot (nabal) is characterised by a lack of morality and delinquency. The study contends that biblical theology, namely the notion that the fear of God is the foundation of knowledge, serves as a remedy for a delinquent society, and its moral teachings are pertinent in mitigating societal vices. The fear of God is an expectation for all adolescents, regardless of their religious affiliation—be it Christianity, Islam, or African Traditionalism—and serves as an exemplary standard for society. The article recommends an urgent reorientation of ethical,
moral, and spiritual principles to appropriately address these developments in social institutions, including families, places of worship, and educational establishments. It specifically advocates for a reassessment and reinstatement of moral and spiritual teachings
that were essential during the initial periods of missionary schools prior to the government’s acquisition of educational institutions. Education policymakers should reintegrate moral instruction into the curriculum of all educational institutions, from early childhood to
postsecondary levels.