God is and remains holy and so the child of God is to respect him. So David encouraged the people of Israel to “fear the Lord, you his saints” (Psalm 34:9). Gehazi did not respect God when he pursued Naaman for his gold (2 Kings 5:15–27) and learned the hard way not to trifle with God. Peter would have his readers take God seriously in every way.
17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,