Fear God, Not Man - Proverbs 29:25

“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”
— Proverbs 29:25

The fear of man is one of the most effective traps the enemy uses to weaken God’s people. It’s not always obvious  — sometimes it hides beneath good intentions: wanting to fit in, to avoid conflict, to not be “too bold” about your faith. But Proverbs says this fear is a snare — a subtle trap that keeps you from walking in the confidence and calling God placed on your life.

When we fear man, we hand over authority that belongs to God. We start shaping our words to please people instead of honoring Him. We let approval determine our peace. And over time, the fear of rejection becomes stronger than the fear of disobedience.

But to fear God is to set your eyes higher. It’s not terror — it’s reverence. It’s the understanding that God alone holds your breath, your purpose, and your eternity. When that truth settles into your heart, everything else loses power. You stop chasing validation, because you already have it from the only One who matters.

The fear of God builds courage. It gives you a spine when the world demands silence. It fuels conviction when culture calls for compromise. It reminds you that your identity, your worth, and your future are not decided by man — they are anchored in Heaven.

In your training, in your business, in your daily choices — there will always be moments when you must choose between comfort and conviction. Fear God, not man. Let reverence produce courage. Let obedience outweigh opinion. And remember — when you trust in the Lord, you are safe. Not safe from challenges, but safe from losing yourself in them.

Prayer

Father, teach me what it truly means to fear You.
Strip away the desire to be approved by others and replace it with a holy reverence for Your presence.
Give me the courage to stand firm, to speak truth, and to live boldly even when it costs me comfort.
Let my fear of You lead to freedom — not bondage — and let my life reflect Your glory alone.
Amen.