But back to evolution of ideas about the other: “fear” isn’t exactly the same thing as “walk humbly with”. And later we come to the idea of “love”. Our experience has changed: so our words can too.

And, while we’re on it – Prov 1:7 was an old guy talking to his son. But the whole “walk humbly” was part of a prophetic revelation. So to accept revelation as possible, I’ll take the prophetic one over the guy trying to scare his son into obedience.

Even those who believed that their deity could care less about them would argue that at a minimum one wants to make sure not to anger anyone who can wipe them out, whether God or the local tree spirit, etc.

There is a reason why “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom.” And, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” And, “work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”

That would be the lowest strata of belief. Without revelation it is hard to proceed much farther.