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- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
25 Fear of man bringeth a snare with it; But he that trusteth in Jahve is advanced. It sounds strange, Hitzig remarks, that here in the Book of an Oriental author one should be warned against the fear of man. It is enough, in reply to this, to point to Isa 51:12. One of the two translations in the lxx (cf. Jerome and Luther) has found this "strange" thought not so strange as not to render it, and that in the gnomic aorist: φοβηθέντες καὶ αἰσχυνθέντες ἀνθρώπους ὑπεσκελίσθησαν. And why should not חרדּת אדם be able to mean the fear of man (cowardice)? Perhaps not so that אדם is the gen. objecti, but so that חרדת אדם means to frighten men, as in Sa1 14:15. חרדת אלהים, a trembling of God; cf. Psa 64:2; פחד איב, the fear occasioned by the enemy, although this connection, after Deu 2:25, can also mean fear of the enemy (gen. objecti). To יתּן, occasioned = brings as a consequence with it, cf. Pro 10:10; Pro 13:15; the synallage generis is as at Pro 12:25 : it is at least strange with fem. infinit. and infinitival nouns, Pro 16:16; Pro 25:14; Psa 73:28; but חרדּה (trembling) is such a nom. actionis, Ewald, 238a. Regarding ישׂגּב (for which the lxx.1 σωθήσεται, and lxx2 εὐφρανθήσεται = ישׂמח), vid., at Pro 18:10. He who is put into a terror by a danger with which men threaten him, so as to do from the fear of man what is wrong, and to conceal the truth, falls thereby into a snare laid by himself - it does not help him that by this means he has delivered himself from the danger, for he brands himself as a coward, and sins against God, and falls into an agony of conscience (reproach and anguish of heart) which is yet worse to bear than the evil wherewith he was threatened. It is only confidence in God that truly saves. The fear of man plunges him into yet greater suffering than that from which he would escape; confidence in God, on the other hand, lifts a man internally, and at last externally, above all his troubles.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The fear . . . snare--involves men in difficulty (compare Pro 29:6). shall be safe--(Compare Margin; Pro 18:10).
John Gill Bible Commentary
The fear of man bringeth a snare,.... Either that which is subjectively in man; not a divine fear, or the fear of God, that grace which is put into the heart, for that leads to no snare, but tends to life; but a human fear, a servile one, a distrust of the power and providence, grace and goodness, of God, which has torment in it; which brings into bondage, and into many distresses and difficulties, and is opposed to trust in the Lord: or objectively, which has man for its object; a fear of losing the favour and friendship of men, of not having honour and applause from them; and a fear of their reproaches and reviling; of the wrath of men, of persecution from them, and of sufferings by them, even death itself; which has been sometimes a snare to ministers of the word, to drop or conceal some truths of it; and to professors of religion, not to embrace, own, and profess them; as many, through fear of the Jews, would not profess Jesus to be the Messiah, though they knew he was, Joh 7:13; yea, such a fear has been a snare to the best of men, and leads into temptation and sin; as particularly Abraham and Peter, Gen 12:12; but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe; that trusts in the Lord as the God of nature and providence, and the God of all grace, for all mercies, spiritual, temporal, and eternal, and leaves himself and case with him; such an one is safe from men, and the fear of them, and from snares and temptations, and sin and mischief, which come by them: or, "shall be lifted up on high" (d); he is upon a high rock, firm and sure; he dwells on high, his place of defence is the munition of rocks; he is in a high tower which is impregnable, in a city of refuge where he is safe; he is as immovable as Mount Zion; he is above the fear of man, or danger from him; he is out of the reach of all his enemies, men or devils; see Pro 18:10. (d) "sublevabitur", V. L. "elevabitur", Pagninus, Montanus; "exaltabitar", Vatablus; "in edito collocatur", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; "sublimabitur", Cocceius, Michaelis; "celsa in arce locabitur", Schultens, so Ben Melech.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here, 1. We are cautioned not to dread the power of man, neither the power of a prince nor the power of the multitude; both are formidable enough, but the slavish fear of either brings a snare, that is, exposes men to many insults (some take a pride in terrifying the timorous), or rather exposes men to many temptations. Abraham, for fear of man, denied his wife, and Peter his Master, and many a one his God and religion. We must not shrink from duty, nor commit sin, to avoid the wrath of man, nor, though we see it coming upon us, be disquieted with fear, Dan 3:16; Psa 118:6. He must himself die (Isa 51:12) and can but kill our body, Luk 12:5. 2. We are encouraged to depend upon the power of God, which would keep us from all that fear of man which has either torment or temptation in it. Whoso puts his trust in the Lord, for protection and supply in the way of duty, shall be set on high, above the power of man and above the fear of that power. A holy confidence in God makes a man both great and easy, and enables him to look with a gracious contempt upon the most formidable designs of hell and earth against him. If God be my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
29:25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap: See 1:7; Luke 12:4-5.
The Flourishing of the Righteous
24A partner to a thief hates his own soul; he receives the oath, but does not testify. 25The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Two Kingdoms and a Miracle
By Ed Miller1.7K1:05:23NebuchadnezzarPRO 29:25DAN 3:11DAN 3:27MAT 6:33JHN 6:452CO 3:18COL 1:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the book of Daniel. He emphasizes that every trial in our lives is a missionary trial, meant to showcase God's redemption. The preacher highlights the importance of Christians walking in liberty with the Son of God, as it attracts others who are looking in. He also mentions Nebuchadnezzar's dream of two kingdoms, with the second part of the dream symbolizing the destruction of the worldly kingdom and the establishment of God's kingdom. The sermon encourages young Christians to resist the allure of the world and not bow down to its pressures.
Ger-17 True Repentance for the German
By Art Katz1.7K1:25:57GermanJOB 42:7PRO 29:25ISA 40:1ISA 54:17ISA 58:1ACT 17:30ROM 3:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of a church that truly loves and cares for its members' souls. They argue that such a church will not shy away from speaking the truth, even if it is not appreciated or understood. The speaker specifically addresses the Jewish community, urging them to acknowledge their sins and transgressions, including the Holocaust, as a judgment from God. They call for authentic repentance and a willingness to surrender one's own interests for God's purpose. The sermon concludes with an invitation for individuals to come forward and demonstrate their repentance by kneeling at the platform.
(Proverbs) ch.29:18 - 30:9
By Zac Poonen1.3K1:00:44PRO 29:25PRO 30:1PRO 30:5MAT 6:33EPH 6:9COL 3:22In this sermon, the speaker discusses the last verse of the book of Judges, which states that people did what was right in their own eyes. The speaker argues that this is the condition of many Christian churches today, where there is no prophetic vision and everyone does what they feel like. This has led to young people taking over the church and pastors having to please them in order to keep them happy. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision of God's purpose for the church and for individual homes, as without vision, people rebel and perish.
The Fear of Man
By Jono Sims1.3K32:52PRO 29:25MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of the fear of man and its impact on our lives. He acknowledges that overcoming this fear may not happen immediately, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, it is possible. The speaker highlights four key aspects of the fear of man, including prioritizing the approval of man over God, seeking praise from others rather than from God, focusing on pleasing man rather than God, and using speech to manipulate others' opinions of oneself. The speaker encourages the audience to be transparent and honest with God, allowing Him to search their hearts and thoughts on this matter.
Stubbornness
By Vance Havner1.3K25:57StubbornnessPSA 51:17PRO 15:33PRO 29:1PRO 29:25MAT 5:23MAT 7:7JAS 4:6In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his own experiences and the importance of humility and submission before God. He emphasizes the need for grace and the willingness to be used by God. The preacher also discusses the consequences of stubbornness and the importance of listening to God's reproof. He concludes by highlighting the power of brokenness and surrender in the lives of biblical figures like Saul, Jacob, and Peter.
The Ministry of the Holy Spirit and the Church - Part 4
By Zac Poonen1.0K1:14:26PRO 29:25MAT 10:7JHN 3:30ACT 20:29ROM 12:61CO 14:31CO 14:29This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church, focusing on prophecy, discernment, and sensitivity in conscience. It warns against seeking significance, honor from men, and security in others rather than in Christ. The goal is to glorify Christ, be transformed, and have a deep connection with Him.
(Isaiah) the Cause & Cure of Spiritual Blindness
By David Guzik85756:26PRO 29:25ISA 5:23ISA 29:10ISA 29:13ISA 29:18ISA 29:22In this sermon, the preacher focuses on God's message to the spiritually blind people of Jerusalem. He emphasizes that it is not enough to speak spiritually and honor God with words if our hearts are far from Him. The preacher warns that we cannot judge a person's heart solely based on what they say or do. God will judge both Jerusalem and the nations that come against it, bringing down the proud and raising up the humble. The preacher also reminds us that even though our struggles may feel never-ending, God assures us that it is only for a little while before He brings about His plans.
David Protected by the Priest
By Chuck Smith60425:05David1SA 20:241SA 21:11SA 21:10PRO 29:25MAT 6:33In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of David and his interactions with Saul and Jonathan. David is hiding from Saul, who is seeking to kill him, and seeks refuge with the priest Ahimelech. Saul becomes suspicious of David's absence and confronts Jonathan about it. Jonathan defends David, questioning why he should be killed. Eventually, David and Jonathan have a tearful farewell, as they know they may never see each other again.
(Luke) 28 - the Transfiguration
By Ed Miller5261:00:49GEN 22:18PRO 29:25MAT 6:33LUK 15:201CO 1:272TI 1:71PE 5:7The given text is not a sermon transcript, but rather a collection of random phrases and snippets from various sources, including references to political figures and radio personalities. It does not provide any coherent message or theme related to the preaching of the word of God. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a summary of the video in four sentences.
People Pleasing and the Fear of Man
By Tim Conway51223:59PRO 29:25ISA 2:22MAT 10:28ROM 10:17GAL 1:10This sermon delves into the topic of the fear of man, exploring how believers can be dominated by this sin even when they are free from other sins. It emphasizes the importance of aligning our lives with the standards of true Christianity as outlined in the Bible, rather than assuming our Christian status. The speaker addresses the struggle of living in unchristian conduct while professing faith, highlighting the need for genuine repentance and a focus on seeking God above all else. The sermon also discusses the theological implications of fearing God over man, emphasizing the need for faith, belief in God's approval, and the courage to stand for what is right despite societal pressures.
The Law of Divine Retribution
By Don Courville50353:24GEN 32:9PSA 46:1PSA 119:105PRO 3:5PRO 29:25ROM 8:282CO 12:9EPH 6:16JAS 4:101PE 5:6This sermon focuses on the journey of Jacob, highlighting his struggles, schemes, and encounters with God. Jacob learns the importance of surrendering to God's authority, facing his fears, and praying with the right motives. Through Jacob's story, we see the significance of living under God's grace, seeking divine retribution, and ultimately finding strength in weakness through God's promises.
Truth & Deception: When Kingdoms Collide
By Shane Idleman1855:29Truth vs. DeceptionSpiritual ResponsibilityPSA 111:10PRO 29:25ISA 61:1JER 9:6MAT 5:14ROM 1:251CO 3:182TI 4:2JAS 1:221PE 2:1Shane Idleman addresses the collision of truth and deception in his sermon 'Truth & Deception: When Kingdoms Collide,' emphasizing the confusion within the modern church, much like the early Corinthian church. He warns against self-deception and the importance of taking personal responsibility for one's spiritual growth, urging believers to rid themselves of hypocrisy and deceit. Idleman highlights the necessity of standing firm in God's truth amidst cultural pressures, encouraging Christians to embrace their identity in Christ, even if it appears foolish to the world. He calls for a boldness in proclaiming the gospel and a commitment to rebuilding the foundations of truth in a society that increasingly drifts away from God. Ultimately, he reminds the congregation that true wisdom comes from fearing the Lord and living out His commands.
Discernment
By Albert Zehr41CH 12:32PRO 29:25MAT 16:2LUK 12:56JHN 15:41CO 2:11GAL 2:20EPH 4:131PE 5:7Albert Zehr preaches about the critical need for discernment, especially in the end times. He emphasizes the importance of seeking discernment from God to avoid being deceived by false signs and miracles. Zehr shares personal experiences and insights on discernment, highlighting the need to perceive things from the Lord's perspective and to know the mind of Christ in all situations. He delves into the definition of discernment, its spiritual dimension, and the innate characteristic of the Holy Spirit within believers.
Seeking Approval
By A.W. Tozer3Approval Of GodFreedom from People-PleasingPRO 29:25MAT 6:1JHN 12:43GAL 1:102TI 4:2A.W. Tozer emphasizes the futility of seeking human approval in the Christian life, asserting that true spirituality requires a heart that is solely devoted to God. He argues that a man after God's own heart must disregard the opinions of both friends and foes, demonstrating moral courage by standing firm in truth regardless of social status. Tozer encourages believers to seek only the approval of Christ, which leads to genuine freedom from the pressures of pleasing others. He concludes with a prayer for strength to overcome the desire for human validation and to find contentment in God's smile.
All In
By Dick Brogden2PSA 37:3PRO 3:5PRO 29:25EPH 6:16HEB 11:6JAS 2:26JAS 4:71PE 5:81JN 5:3Dick Brogden emphasizes the importance of complete trust and obedience in God, highlighting that disobedience is linked to disbelief, and when we stop believing, we stop obeying. He warns against rejecting God's counsel, as it leads to self-destruction and a descent into evil acts. Brogden stresses that trust in Jesus is essential in defeating the schemes of the devil, who seeks to undermine our faith. He encourages believers to give all their trust, obedience, strength, and thoughts to Jesus, as true happiness in Jesus comes from trusting and obeying Him alone.
"Even Barnabas"
By T. Austin-Sparks1IntegrityCompromisePRO 29:25ACT 11:24ROM 12:21CO 15:332CO 5:10GAL 2:13GAL 2:20EPH 4:152TI 4:11JAS 1:8T. Austin-Sparks reflects on the troubling incident involving Barnabas in Galatians 2:13, where even a 'good man' succumbed to dissimulation and hypocrisy, leading to a painful separation from Paul. Sparks emphasizes the importance of standing firm on truth and principle, warning against the dangers of compromise for the sake of popularity or acceptance. He highlights Barnabas's sociable nature and the tragic consequences of allowing personal temperament to overshadow the commitment to the Gospel. The sermon serves as a reminder to be true, honest, and transparent in our walk with God, rather than seeking to please men. Ultimately, Sparks calls for vigilance in maintaining integrity amidst the pressures of tradition and societal expectations.
Fear No Man
By Chip Brogden1PSA 118:8PRO 3:5PRO 29:25GAL 1:101TH 2:4Chip Brogden addresses the bondage many Christians face with the fear of man, emphasizing that as God's spokespersons, we cannot be afraid of people if we are to faithfully deliver His counsel. He highlights the fundamental lesson of overcoming the fear of man to be fruitful and faithful in God's work, pointing out that self-love is at the root of this fear, manifesting in desires for appreciation, compensation, and promotion in relationships. Brogden stresses the importance of being willing to be misunderstood, unappreciated, and not seeking human support, but relying solely on God for provision and promotion, in order to serve without fear of man.
Dangers of Young Men
By J.C. Ryle1PrideHumilitySpiritual VigilanceJOB 31:1PRO 29:25ISA 51:12MAT 10:28ROM 12:31CO 6:18COL 3:52TI 3:41PE 2:111PE 5:5J.C. Ryle warns young men about the dangers of pride, love of pleasure, thoughtlessness, contempt of Christianity, and the fear of man's opinion. He emphasizes that pride can lead to a lack of humility and receptiveness to wisdom, while the pursuit of pleasure can distract from spiritual growth and lead to destructive behaviors. Ryle urges young men to think critically about their choices and to respect the teachings of Christianity, warning against the consequences of dismissing faith. He highlights the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs despite societal pressures and encourages young men to seek God's approval over man's. Ultimately, Ryle's message is a call to vigilance and self-awareness in the face of these common pitfalls.
Heroes and Cowards
By R.A. Torrey0Courage in FaithThe Fear of ManPRO 29:25JHN 12:42R.A. Torrey's sermon 'Heroes and Cowards' emphasizes the dangers of the fear of man, illustrating how it leads individuals to compromise their values and ultimately face ruin. He shares poignant examples of young men and women who succumbed to peer pressure, resulting in destructive choices that cost them their integrity and lives. Torrey contrasts this with the courage of true believers, like the Apostle Paul, who boldly confess their faith despite societal pressures. He urges listeners to publicly declare their faith in Christ, highlighting that true courage is required to stand for Jesus in a compromising world. The sermon calls for a commitment to be heroes of faith rather than cowards who hide their beliefs.
Step 21 on Unmanly and Puerile Cowardice.
By St. John Climacus0PSA 27:1PRO 29:25ISA 41:102TI 1:71JN 4:18St. John Climacus emphasizes the dangers of cowardice and fear, highlighting how they stem from vainglory and unbelief, leading to a lack of faith and conviction. He encourages believers to confront their fears through prayer, relying on the strength of Jesus' name as a powerful weapon against fear. St. John Climacus teaches that overcoming cowardice is a gradual process that requires mourning over one's weaknesses and accepting unexpected events with a contrite heart, ultimately leading to a life dedicated to God.
The Burial of Jesus John 19:31-42; Matthew 27:61-66
By R.A. Torrey0Courage in FaithFulfillment of ProphecyPSA 76:10PRO 29:25ISA 53:9ZEC 12:10MAT 10:32MAT 27:61JHN 3:1JHN 19:31ROM 10:9R.A. Torrey explores the burial of Jesus, emphasizing the certainty of His death and the significance of the events surrounding it. He discusses the meticulous precautions taken by the Jews and Roman authorities to ensure Jesus was truly dead and the implications of Joseph of Arimathea's secret discipleship, which transformed into boldness after Jesus' death. The sermon highlights the fulfillment of prophecies regarding Jesus' burial and the actions of those who opposed Him, ultimately showcasing how their efforts only served to authenticate His resurrection. Torrey encourages believers to reflect on their own faith and the courage to stand for Christ, even in the face of fear.
Fear
By Harmon A. Baldwin0JOS 1:9PSA 34:4PSA 56:3PRO 9:10PRO 29:25ISA 41:10MAT 10:28ROM 8:152TI 1:71JN 4:18Harmon A. Baldwin delves into the concept of fear and its relationship with holiness, exploring the distinction between natural fear, spiritual fear, and the fear of the Lord. He emphasizes that while natural fear is necessary for self-preservation and certain situations, spiritual fear should not hinder individuals from fulfilling their God-given purpose. Baldwin uses real-life examples of individuals facing storms, accidents, and childhood fears to illustrate the complexity of fear even in those who profess holiness. He concludes by highlighting the importance of courage, not as the absence of fear, but as the willingness to do one's duty despite fear.
Pharisees Seek Honour From Men
By Zac Poonen0PRO 27:2PRO 29:25MAT 6:1MAT 7:3MAT 23:12LUK 18:10JHN 5:441CO 10:31GAL 1:10PHP 2:3Zac Poonen preaches on the danger of seeking honor from people, drawing from Jesus' teachings on the Pharisees who prayed publicly to be noticed by others. He emphasizes the importance of genuine, humble prayer directed towards God, rather than seeking recognition from men. Zac highlights the need for preachers to evaluate their motives and continually improve the quality of their preaching, focusing on delivering messages that glorify God rather than seeking applause from the audience. He warns against seeking honor in various aspects of life, such as writing reports or showcasing work, stressing the importance of seeking God's approval above all else to avoid falling into the trap of Phariseeism.
The Fear of Man
By Byron J. Rees0PRO 29:251CO 16:13GAL 1:10EPH 6:122TI 1:7Byron J. Rees delivers a powerful sermon on the irrationality of fearing man over God, emphasizing the need for courage in addressing sin boldly and without compromise. He calls for ministers to have the boldness to expose sin, regardless of the consequences or fear of losing approval, and to prioritize pleasing God over pleasing people. Rees challenges the ministry to confront all forms of sin, even those considered taboo or unpopular, and to focus on guiding people towards righteous living and salvation.
Religion of Public Opinion
By Charles Finney0HypocrisyObedience to GodPRO 29:25MAT 5:16MAT 6:1LUK 9:26JHN 12:43ROM 12:2GAL 1:10JAS 4:41PE 2:91JN 2:15Charles Finney addresses the dangers of valuing public opinion over God's approval, emphasizing that many professing Christians prioritize their reputation and social acceptance over true devotion to God. He distinguishes between self-love and selfishness, warning that when individuals act primarily to maintain their image, they become hypocrites. Finney urges listeners to examine their motives and actions, challenging them to pursue genuine obedience to God's commands regardless of societal pressures. He calls for a commitment to uphold God's standards, even when it conflicts with popular sentiment, and warns that those who conform to the world will face dire consequences.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
25 Fear of man bringeth a snare with it; But he that trusteth in Jahve is advanced. It sounds strange, Hitzig remarks, that here in the Book of an Oriental author one should be warned against the fear of man. It is enough, in reply to this, to point to Isa 51:12. One of the two translations in the lxx (cf. Jerome and Luther) has found this "strange" thought not so strange as not to render it, and that in the gnomic aorist: φοβηθέντες καὶ αἰσχυνθέντες ἀνθρώπους ὑπεσκελίσθησαν. And why should not חרדּת אדם be able to mean the fear of man (cowardice)? Perhaps not so that אדם is the gen. objecti, but so that חרדת אדם means to frighten men, as in Sa1 14:15. חרדת אלהים, a trembling of God; cf. Psa 64:2; פחד איב, the fear occasioned by the enemy, although this connection, after Deu 2:25, can also mean fear of the enemy (gen. objecti). To יתּן, occasioned = brings as a consequence with it, cf. Pro 10:10; Pro 13:15; the synallage generis is as at Pro 12:25 : it is at least strange with fem. infinit. and infinitival nouns, Pro 16:16; Pro 25:14; Psa 73:28; but חרדּה (trembling) is such a nom. actionis, Ewald, 238a. Regarding ישׂגּב (for which the lxx.1 σωθήσεται, and lxx2 εὐφρανθήσεται = ישׂמח), vid., at Pro 18:10. He who is put into a terror by a danger with which men threaten him, so as to do from the fear of man what is wrong, and to conceal the truth, falls thereby into a snare laid by himself - it does not help him that by this means he has delivered himself from the danger, for he brands himself as a coward, and sins against God, and falls into an agony of conscience (reproach and anguish of heart) which is yet worse to bear than the evil wherewith he was threatened. It is only confidence in God that truly saves. The fear of man plunges him into yet greater suffering than that from which he would escape; confidence in God, on the other hand, lifts a man internally, and at last externally, above all his troubles.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The fear . . . snare--involves men in difficulty (compare Pro 29:6). shall be safe--(Compare Margin; Pro 18:10).
John Gill Bible Commentary
The fear of man bringeth a snare,.... Either that which is subjectively in man; not a divine fear, or the fear of God, that grace which is put into the heart, for that leads to no snare, but tends to life; but a human fear, a servile one, a distrust of the power and providence, grace and goodness, of God, which has torment in it; which brings into bondage, and into many distresses and difficulties, and is opposed to trust in the Lord: or objectively, which has man for its object; a fear of losing the favour and friendship of men, of not having honour and applause from them; and a fear of their reproaches and reviling; of the wrath of men, of persecution from them, and of sufferings by them, even death itself; which has been sometimes a snare to ministers of the word, to drop or conceal some truths of it; and to professors of religion, not to embrace, own, and profess them; as many, through fear of the Jews, would not profess Jesus to be the Messiah, though they knew he was, Joh 7:13; yea, such a fear has been a snare to the best of men, and leads into temptation and sin; as particularly Abraham and Peter, Gen 12:12; but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe; that trusts in the Lord as the God of nature and providence, and the God of all grace, for all mercies, spiritual, temporal, and eternal, and leaves himself and case with him; such an one is safe from men, and the fear of them, and from snares and temptations, and sin and mischief, which come by them: or, "shall be lifted up on high" (d); he is upon a high rock, firm and sure; he dwells on high, his place of defence is the munition of rocks; he is in a high tower which is impregnable, in a city of refuge where he is safe; he is as immovable as Mount Zion; he is above the fear of man, or danger from him; he is out of the reach of all his enemies, men or devils; see Pro 18:10. (d) "sublevabitur", V. L. "elevabitur", Pagninus, Montanus; "exaltabitar", Vatablus; "in edito collocatur", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; "sublimabitur", Cocceius, Michaelis; "celsa in arce locabitur", Schultens, so Ben Melech.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here, 1. We are cautioned not to dread the power of man, neither the power of a prince nor the power of the multitude; both are formidable enough, but the slavish fear of either brings a snare, that is, exposes men to many insults (some take a pride in terrifying the timorous), or rather exposes men to many temptations. Abraham, for fear of man, denied his wife, and Peter his Master, and many a one his God and religion. We must not shrink from duty, nor commit sin, to avoid the wrath of man, nor, though we see it coming upon us, be disquieted with fear, Dan 3:16; Psa 118:6. He must himself die (Isa 51:12) and can but kill our body, Luk 12:5. 2. We are encouraged to depend upon the power of God, which would keep us from all that fear of man which has either torment or temptation in it. Whoso puts his trust in the Lord, for protection and supply in the way of duty, shall be set on high, above the power of man and above the fear of that power. A holy confidence in God makes a man both great and easy, and enables him to look with a gracious contempt upon the most formidable designs of hell and earth against him. If God be my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
29:25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap: See 1:7; Luke 12:4-5.