Whom Shall I Fear?

Proverbs 14:26-27“In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.”

Proverbs is an incredible book of wisdom. King David’s son Solomon was inspired by God to write these proverbs that God had taught him. When Solomon became king, he was allowed by God to ask for anything he wanted. He asked God for wisdom.

Solomon shares that wisdom in Proverbs 14:26 when he writes about the proper fear of God. There has been a lot of talk about fear these last few months. People are experiencing fear created by uncertainty and instability. Some are worried about health while others are overwhelmed with financial burdens.

I believe the Bible teaches about two types of fear: a fear of man and a fear of the Lord.

Proverbs 29:25“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.”

To fear man means to seek man’s approval—to care more about what man thinks of you than what God thinks of you. Solomon used the word “snare” here referring to the traps that hunters would set to catch animals. The fear of man is a trap. It causes us to believe we can please everyone, be accepted by everyone, and live like everyone else. Ultimately, it is a trap that causes us incredible hurt and disappointment. However, there is another fear the Bible talks about—the fear of the Lord.

To fear the Lord means we care more about God’s approval of how we are living and acting than man’s approval. Jesus told us not to fear man. Matthew 10:28 “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.”

While fear is so prevalent today, will you decide that the only fear you will have is the fear of God? God is in control whether we fear Him or not. Our life is in His hands. There is nothing that can happen to you today that is outside of God’s control. Fear Him alone; seek to please Him above all others.

The safest thing that we can do in fearful times is to trust God and fear Him only. Please purpose today to claim Hebrews 13:6, “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”