“Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.”-Proverbs 29:25

Have we not all, at one time or another, worried about what others thought about us? I certainly have. Most of us have spent way too much time reflecting on what others were saying about us, pondered way too much about whether people like us, or did things to try to win others’ approval. The truth is, we’ve all had times when we have been far too concerned about others’ opinions on a variety of things. Perhaps we’ve struggled to speak up when we knew we should have, for fear of what someone else’s reaction would be. David Guzik had a great point when he wrote, “Many people of good heart but not enough courage live in bondage to the fear of man. They worry far too much about what people think, instead of first being concerned about what God and wisdom say, and what integrity would lead them to do. This is a snare that traps many people.”

Let’s reread Proverbs 29:25 which says, “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.” In this passage, we are given a super helpful, clear warning about fearing, being anxious about, or worrying about people (including their opinions, their thoughts, their approval), and how this is harmful for us. Why is it a “dangerous trap”? Why is it hazardous for us to care so much about what others think? I believe there are a variety of reasons, but I think the most important reason it’s dangerous is that if we worry about others’ opinions, we’re tempted to forget, to overlook, or to neglect the necessity of looking to The One whose thoughts about all things matter most. For God alone knows all and is The Engineer of all things (Romans 11:33-36). Thus, His opinion should always trump all other opinions. But do we care about what God thinks above all others?

The second part of Proverbs 29:25 instructs us to trust the Lord and find safety. Thus, we are to first and foremost go to God for refuge, for His opinion, His instruction, His truth, His guidance above everything else. When we do this, we will always find His shelter and protection. I can’t help but think of the Apostle Paul and the way God worked in his heart. Because Jesus had taken such a strong hold on his soul, people’s opinions mattered less and less to Paul, and God’s opinion mattered more and more. So, filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul was led to say, “Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant” (Galatians 1:10).

Should we listen to others? Absolutely. Should we learn from others? Without a doubt! Scripture is clear about these things. Should what any person says or thinks matter more to us than what God says? Never.

Lord, help us care less and less about people’s approval. Help us increasingly care about what You say about us and to us through Your Word! We want to follow You above all, to honor You over all, knowing You alone are God. What You say is what matters most! Help us remember this. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Cheer up, friends!

-Scott