The biblical use of the phrase "the fear of" (the Lord God) is far from being a restrictive term. It is only humanity's ideas about 'fear' that restrict them from understanding what the Bible means. The Bible shows that the fear of God opens the person up to knowledge and wisdom that cannot be obtained any other way.
Further, it goes so far as to show that foolish, and evil people who have no fear of God actually despise knowledge, instruction and wisdom. This instantly shows us that the Bible is not here talking about human knowledge, instruction or wisdom. The foolish and evil people it refers to might be extremely well qualified academically, but if they shun or despise the knowledge of the Lord, that verse tells them how God views them.
"The beginning of knowledge" is a key concept, just as "the beginning of the gospel" is in the New Testament. It's really important to make the correct start, to begin at the beginning, when it comes to the things of God. Those who "tremble at God's word" know to humble themselves before God when seeking his knowledge, his direction in life. Those ones don't make jokes or quips about the things of God. Nor are they in fear of man-made superstitions about God. They have already started out on the pathway of true knowledge because they reverence God in the way he requires (not in man-made ways). This requires diligent study of God's word, and sincere seekers are guided by the Holy Spirit, who reads hearts. Knowing that alone ought to be enough to induce godly fear in an individual!
For me, the answer is that as long as translations show that the biblical fear of God is bound up with his wisdom, and we grasp the biblical meaning of 'fear', we stand to be liberated into godly knowledge above and beyond all the wisdom this world can offer. Also, godly fear incorporates awe of God, but goes beyond the idea of standing there, looking on in amazement - it is seeking to approach him the way he prescribes in his word, and to live for him reverentially every day.
