The Fear of Man

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, 
and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
—Proverbs 9:10 (NKJV)

 
 
The fear of man and the opinions of others can hinder our ability to receive wisdom from God. The choice we make to follow the Lord or succumb to the influence of others determines the extent of wisdom we obtain. When we prioritize our human desire for acceptance and recognition, we forfeit God’s wisdom. Any endeavor that promotes selfishness and pride hinders our ability to receive the wisdom that flows from an intimate relationship with God. 
 
If we truly seek God’s wisdom in our lives, Proverbs 9:10 emphasizes that the beginning of this journey lies in the fear of the Lord. This fear of the Lord is not an anxiety over God’s judgment; instead, it is a profound esteem for God and His Word, placing them above the requirements and opinions of others. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5). By humbling ourselves, we open ourselves up to receiving wisdom from God. Only when our respect for the Lord surpasses the opinions and beliefs of others can we truly walk in the wisdom of God. 
 
“The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25, NKJV).
 
Trusting in the Lord is a sign of spiritual maturity. By relying on His wisdom over the opinions of others, you can experience life and peace (Romans 8:6). However, when you yield to the opinions of others instead of Him, you find yourself trapped in emotional bondage and limited in your potential. 
 
The fear of man will cost us God’s wisdom and, eventually, the respect of those we have tried to please. Look at Saul. He told Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I have feared the people and obeyed their voice” (1 Samuel 15:24, NKJV). Saul humbly began as king and ended his reign in pride and destruction.
 
David, however, responded to Nathan the prophet when confronted about his sins involving Bathsheba and Uriah. He understood that God’s truth was the best course for his life. He immediately repented and said of God, “You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part you will make me to know wisdom” (Psalm 51:6, NKJV). He realized that an open heart to God would lead to His wisdom.
 
Jesus only listened to His Father. He disregarded the religious leaders and had no intention of appeasing them or seeking their approval. He chose to honor His Father’s will over the occasional advice of those He had called to follow Him. The emotional pressures of others did not sway Jesus. His delight was in the fear of the Lord. He did not respond to what his eyes saw or what he heard from others (Isaiah 11:3). Jesus walked completely in the wisdom of His Father.
 
Do I walk in the fear of the Lord or the fear of man? Do I prioritize the Word of Jesus, which is full of grace and truth (John 1:14), or do I consider what others think, trying to gain their approval? Yes, we all crave acceptance, especially from those we care about and admire. However, when we prioritize God’s wisdom above all else, putting God first is always the beginning.
 
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom” Solomon wrote. “And in all your getting, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7, NKJV). God’s wisdom is the most important thing. Therefore, seek God’s wisdom; He generously gives it to us (James 1:5). Seek to understand how to apply and exercise His wisdom in your life.
 
“We do not cease to pray for you,” Paul said, “and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (Colossians 1:9, (NKJV).
 
The fear of others’ opinions can hinder you from agreeing with God’s will and His plans for your life. God’s wisdom lies in choosing His desires over what others think or expect. When you are filled with God’s wisdom and spiritual understanding, the opinions of others take second place to God’s opinion. You trust God’s truth, and you continually choose Him. You know that “fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety” (Proverbs 29:25, NLT).