Proverbs 29:25
Proverbs 29:25 in Multiple Translations
The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
The fear of man bringeth a snare; But whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe.
The fear of man is a cause of danger: but whoever puts his faith in the Lord will have a safe place on high.
Being afraid of people traps you, but if you trust in the Lord you're safe.
The feare of man bringeth a snare: but he that trusteth in the Lord, shalbe exalted.
Fear of man causeth a snare, And the confident in Jehovah is set on high.
The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in the LORD is kept safe.
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but he who putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
He that feareth man, shall quickly fall: he that trusteth in the Lord, shall be set on high.
It is like a dangerous trap [MET] for people to be ◄afraid of/worried about► what others will think about them, but those who trust in Yahweh are safe/protected.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 29:25
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 29:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חֶרְדַּ֣ת
אָ֭דָם
יִתֵּ֣ן
מוֹקֵ֑שׁ
וּ/בוֹטֵ֖חַ
בַּ/יהוָ֣ה
יְשֻׂגָּֽב
חֶרְדַּ֣ת
chărâdâh
H2731
trembling
N-fs
אָ֭דָם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
יִתֵּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מוֹקֵ֑שׁ
môwqêsh
H4170
snare
N-ms
וּ/בוֹטֵ֖חַ
bâṭach
H982
to trust
Conj | V-Qal
בַּ/יהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
יְשֻׂגָּֽב
sâgab
H7682
to exalt
V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 29:25
חֶרְדַּ֣ת
chărâdâh
H2731
"trembling"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to fear, anxiety, or trembling. It can describe extreme anxiety or care, like when someone is worried about their safety or well-being.
Definition: 1) fear, anxiety, quaking, trembling, (extreme) anxiety, anxious care 1a) trembling, quaking 1b) anxious care
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: care, [idiom] exceedingly, fear, quaking, trembling. See also: Genesis 27:33; Isaiah 21:4; Proverbs 29:25.
אָ֭דָם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
יִתֵּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
מוֹקֵ֑שׁ
môwqêsh
H4170
"snare"
N-ms
A snare or trap, this word is used to describe a device to catch animals. In the Bible, it is also used figuratively to describe being trapped by sin or temptation, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: bait, lure, snare
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: be ensnared, gin, (is) snare(-d), trap. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 69:23; Psalms 18:6.
וּ/בוֹטֵ֖חַ
bâṭach
H982
"to trust"
Conj | V-Qal
To trust means to have confidence or faith in something or someone, like the Israelites trusting in God to lead them through the desert, as seen in Psalm 23.
Definition: 1) to trust 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to trust, trust in 1a2) to have confidence, be confident 1a3) to be bold 1a4) to be secure 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to trust, make secure 2) (TWOT) to feel safe, be careless
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 28:52; Psalms 118:8; Psalms 4:6.
בַּ/יהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
יְשֻׂגָּֽב
sâgab
H7682
"to exalt"
V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
To exalt means to make something or someone lofty or strong, often used to describe God's power. It can also mean to defend or set something on high. This concept is found in Psalms and other books.
Definition: 1) to be high, be inaccessibly high 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be (too) high (for capture) 1a2) to be high (of prosperity) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be high 1b2) to be set on high, be (safely) set on high 1b3) to be exalted (of God) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to set on high, set (securely) on high 1c2) to exalt, exalt (in effective hostility) 1d) (Pual) to be set (securely) on high 1e) (Hiphil) to act exaltedly
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: defend, exalt, be excellent, (be, set on) high, lofty, be safe, set up (on high), be too strong. See also: Deuteronomy 2:36; Proverbs 18:10; Psalms 20:2.
Study Notes — Proverbs 29:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 29:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:25
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:25
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:25
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:25
- Sermons on Proverbs 29:25
Context — The Flourishing of the Righteous
23A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
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.
26Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man receives justice from the LORD. 27An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 118:8 | It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. |
| 2 | Luke 12:4 | I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. |
| 3 | Proverbs 18:10 | The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. |
| 4 | Psalms 91:14 | “Because he loves Me, I will deliver him; because he knows My name, I will protect him. |
| 5 | Proverbs 16:20 | Whoever heeds instruction will find success, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. |
| 6 | John 12:42–43 | Nevertheless, many of the leaders believed in Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue. For they loved praise from men more than praise from God. |
| 7 | Proverbs 30:5 | Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. |
| 8 | Psalms 125:1 | Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion. It cannot be moved; it abides forever. |
| 9 | 2 Timothy 4:16–17 | At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion. |
| 10 | 1 Peter 1:21 | Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him; and so your faith and hope are in God. |
Proverbs 29:25 Summary
[This verse is telling us that when we're too afraid of what others think, it can trap us and hold us back, but when we trust in God, we can feel safe and secure, like we're standing on a high mountain, as seen in Proverbs 29:25, and this is similar to the concept of being in the secret place of the Most High, as described in Psalm 91:1.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to fear man, and how can it be a snare?
The fear of man refers to being overly concerned with what others think of us, which can lead to compromising our values and faith, as seen in Proverbs 29:25, and can be contrasted with the fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom, as stated in Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 111:10.
How can trusting in the LORD set us securely on high?
Trusting in the LORD means having faith in His power, love, and sovereignty, which can give us confidence and security, as stated in Proverbs 29:25, and is also seen in Psalm 91:14, where God promises to deliver those who love Him.
What does it mean to be set securely on high?
Being set securely on high means being in a place of safety, protection, and exaltation, where we can trust in God's goodness and provision, as seen in Proverbs 29:25, and is similar to the concept of being seated with Christ in the heavenly places, as described in Ephesians 2:6.
How can we balance the need to respect authority with the warning against fearing man?
We can balance respect for authority with the warning against fearing man by remembering that our ultimate authority is God, as stated in Romans 13:1-2 and Matthew 22:21, and that we should obey God rather than men, as seen in Acts 5:29.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I fear man, and how can I surrender those fears to God?
- How can I cultivate trust in the LORD, especially in times of uncertainty or fear?
- What are some areas of my life where I feel like I'm being held back by the fear of man, and how can I apply the truth of Proverbs 29:25 to those areas?
- What does it mean for me to be set securely on high, and how can I live in the confidence and security of God's love and protection?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 29:25
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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. The fear of man bringeth a snare - entrapping men in danger, guilt, and punishment.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man, inordinate fear of harm or mischief from men, which is fitly opposed to trust in God, because it comes from a distrust of God’ s promise and providence, bringeth a snare; is an occasion of many sins, and of great danger, both of injuries from men, and of sore punishments from God. Putteth his trust in the Lord; keeping God’ s way, and securely relying upon God to protect him from the designs and rage of wicked men.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 29:25
Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.Ver. 25. The fear of man bringeth a snare.] This cowardly passion expectorates and exposes a man to many, both sins and sufferings. And albeit faith, when it is in the heart, quelleth and killeth distrustful fear, and is therefore fitly opposed to it in this sacred sentence: yet in the very best sense fights sore against faith when it is upon its own dunghill. I mean in a sensible danger. Nature’ s retraction of itself from a visible fear, may cause the pulse of a Christian that beats truly and strongly in the main point, the state of the soul, to intermit and falter at such a time, as we see in the examples of Abraham, Isaac, David, Peter, others who showed some trepidation and timidity, and, like fearful birds and beasts, fell into the pits and toils of the hunter, and hazarded themselves to God’ s displeasure. The chameleon is said to be the most fearful of all creatures, and doth therefore turn himself into so many colours to avoid danger, which yet will not be. God equally hateth the timorous and the treacherous. "Fearful" men are the first in that black roll. But he that trusteth in the Lord shall be safe.] Or, Set on high, as on a rock; his place of defence shall be munitions of rocks, far out of harm’ s way; he shall be kept safe, as in a tower of brass, or town of war. "Even the youth shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall; but they that wait upon the Lord shall mount up with wings as eagles," &c.
Like as the coney that flies to the holes in the rocks doth easily avoid the dogs that pursue her, when the hare that trusts to the swiftness of her legs is at length overtaken and tore in pieces: so here. Tectus et tutus.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 29:25
(25) The fear of man bringeth a snare.—Even, it may be, the loss of eternal life. (Comp. Matthew 10:28; John 12:25.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 29:25
Verse 25. The fear of man bringeth a snare] How often has this led weak men, though sincere in their general character, to deny their God, and abjure his people! See the case of Peter; and learn from this, O reader, that where the mighty have been slain, thou wilt fall, unless thou call on the Strong for strength, and for courage to use it. Be not ashamed of JESUS nor of his people, nor of his cross. Glory in this, that thou knowest him, art joined to them, and art counted worthy to bear it.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 29:25
25. shall be safe] “Heb. shall be set on high” (marg. of A.V. and R.V.), as on an inaccessible rock, or in an impregnable fortress. Comp. Proverbs 18:10.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 29:25
The confusion and wretchedness in which the fear of what men can do entangles us, is contrasted with the security of one, who not only “fears” the Lord, so as to avoid offending Him, but trusts in Him as his protector and guide.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 29:25
25. Fear… snare — Fear often makes men do that which is wrong, and thus brings them into difficulty or “a snare;” but confidence in Jehovah, his power, his protection, raises them above such fear.
Sermons on Proverbs 29:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Two Kingdoms and a Miracle by Ed Miller | In 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 |
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Ger-17 True Repentance for the German by Art Katz | In 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 t |
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(Proverbs) ch.29:18 - 30:9 by Zac Poonen | In 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 condi |
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The Fear of Man by Jono Sims | In 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 h |
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Stubbornness by Vance Havner | In 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 us |
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The Ministry of the Holy Spirit and the Church - Part 4 by Zac Poonen | This 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. I |
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(Isaiah) the Cause & Cure of Spiritual Blindness by David Guzik | In 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 word |