But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear:
Yet with meekness and fear ...  Why this?  There are many reasons: (1) Christians should manifest meekness at all times.  "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth"  (Matthew 5:5); but in addition to this, there is no situation in life that demands such an attitude any more than that which appears on an occasion of religious questioning and response. (2) A lack of meekness can prejudice judges, if one is in a court of law. (3) A lack of it can antagonize earnest questioners whose seeking after the truth can be easily frustrated by an arrogant, overbearing, or discourteous attitude.  And why fear?  (1) In all situations where a Christian is attempting to answer the questions of others, or to restore one who has fallen into sin, there is danger to the Christian himself.  As Paul put it, "Restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted"  (Galatians 6:1).  (2) There should be fear that the answers might not be given in the right spirit, or that they might not be correct.  The failure of many really to know the truth about their own religious views is widespread; and every teacher should concern himself to know the right answers, to avoid becoming himself a teacher of falsehood. Fear is a proper motive for all who presume to teach the word of the Lord.