Fear Not

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 29

Gold Nugget

Verse 25: “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.”

Commentary

Todays' gold nugget reminds me of a passage in the New Testament. In Matthew chapter 10 Jesus said, "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul." Solomon rightly said in today's devotion, "The fear of man brings a snare". In this context a snare is the opposite of safety. It is truly a dangerous thing to fear man, for the fear of man will often put you at odds with God's expectation. However, our fear is less about how they will hurt us physically. We are more motivated by the fear of not gaining the world's approval. This is a trap that will ensnare us and keep us in a spiritual cage.

Thankfully the Scriptures usually include the result of obedience when warning us of the perils of disobedience. The person is not motivated by the fear of this world will find safety and freedom in trusting in the Lord. We are aware that man's approval is not our highest priority. We also know that man's wrath is not eternal. We do know that God's reward for His own is eternal. As Paul writes in Romans 8:18, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

 

Prayer

Lord, help me to remember that man's approval and his disapproval is fleeting. I choose your approval (justification) by faith. Amen

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