Proverbs 3:25
Proverbs 3:25 in Multiple Translations
Do not fear sudden danger or the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
Be not afraid of sudden fear, Neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh:
Have no fear of sudden danger, or of the storm which will come on evil-doers:
You won't be afraid of a sudden panic, or of disasters that hit the wicked,
Thou shalt not feare for any sudden feare, neither for the destruction of the wicked, when it commeth.
Be not afraid of sudden fear, And of the desolation of the wicked when it cometh.
Don’t be afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it comes;
Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
Be not afraid of sudden fear, nor of the power of the wicked falling upon thee.
You will not be afraid that something disastrous will happen to you or that storms that strike the wicked will strike you,
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 3:25
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 3:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תִּ֭ירָא
מִ/פַּ֣חַד
פִּתְאֹ֑ם
וּ/מִ/שֹּׁאַ֥ת
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
כִּ֣י
תָבֹֽא
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּ֭ירָא
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
מִ/פַּ֣חַד
pachad
H6343
dread
Prep | N-ms
פִּתְאֹ֑ם
pithʼôwm
H6597
suddenly
Adv
וּ/מִ/שֹּׁאַ֥ת
shôwʼ
H7722
ravage
Conj | Prep | N-fs
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תָבֹֽא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
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 3:25
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּ֭ירָא
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
מִ/פַּ֣חַד
pachad
H6343
"dread"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a feeling of terror or dread, often caused by something sudden or frightening. In the Bible, it describes the fear of God or the dread of His judgment. The prophet Isaiah used it to describe the terror of God's wrath.
Definition: 1) terror, dread 1a) dread 1b) object of dread
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: dread(-ful), fear, (thing) great (fear, -ly feared), terror. See also: Genesis 31:42; Job 39:22; Psalms 14:5.
פִּתְאֹ֑ם
pithʼôwm
H6597
"suddenly"
Adv
This word means happening suddenly or quickly, like an unexpected event. It is used in the Bible to describe surprising things that happen to people like Jacob and Joseph.
Definition: adv 1) suddenly, surprisingly subst 2) suddenness
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: straightway, sudden(-ly). See also: Numbers 6:9; Proverbs 7:22; Psalms 64:5.
וּ/מִ/שֹּׁאַ֥ת
shôwʼ
H7722
"ravage"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
Devastation or destruction, this word describes a place or thing that has been ruined or laid waste, like the desolate land described in Jeremiah 4:23, or the destruction caused by a storm, as in Psalm 107:25.
Definition: ravage
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: desolate(-ion), destroy, destruction, storm, wasteness. See also: Job 30:3; Proverbs 1:27; Psalms 35:8.
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תָבֹֽא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
Study Notes — Proverbs 3:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 3:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 3:25
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:25
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 3:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:25
- Sermons on Proverbs 3:25
Context — The Blessings of Wisdom
23Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.
24When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet.
25Do not fear sudden danger or the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare. 27Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 41:10–14 | Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness. Behold, all who rage against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will be reduced to nothing and will perish. You will seek them but will not find them. Those who wage war against you will come to nothing. For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and tells you: Do not fear, I will help you. Do not fear, O worm of Jacob, O few men of Israel. I will help you,” declares the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. |
| 2 | Psalms 112:7 | He does not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. |
| 3 | 1 Peter 3:14 | But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.” |
| 4 | Isaiah 8:12–13 | “Do not call conspiracy everything these people regard as conspiracy. Do not fear what they fear; do not live in dread. The LORD of Hosts is the One you shall regard as holy. Only He should be feared; only He should be dreaded. |
| 5 | Psalms 91:5 | You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, |
| 6 | Matthew 8:24–26 | Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was engulfed by the waves; but Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” “You of little faith,” Jesus replied, “why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm. |
| 7 | Matthew 24:6 | You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. |
| 8 | Luke 21:18–28 | Yet not even a hair of your head will perish. By your patient endurance you will gain your souls. But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city. For these are the days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! For there will be great distress upon the land and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all the nations. And Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves. Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” |
| 9 | Job 11:13–15 | As for you, if you direct your heart and lift up your hands to Him, if you put away the iniquity in your hand, and allow no injustice to dwell in your tents, then indeed you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and unafraid. |
| 10 | Mark 4:40 | “Why are you so afraid?” He asked. “Do you still have no faith?” |
Proverbs 3:25 Summary
Proverbs 3:25 tells us not to fear sudden danger or the ruin that overtakes the wicked. This means that we don't have to be controlled by fear of what might happen to us, because we can trust in the Lord to keep us safe (Psalm 23:4). When we trust in the Lord, we can have confidence that He will take care of us, even in the midst of danger (Proverbs 3:26). By trusting in the Lord and seeking wisdom from Him, we can overcome fear and anxiety, and live a life of peace and confidence (Philippians 4:6-7).
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of fear is being warned against in Proverbs 3:25?
The fear being warned against is the fear of sudden danger or the ruin that overtakes the wicked, as seen in Proverbs 3:25, and is contrasted with the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom, as mentioned in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 9:10.
How can we avoid fearing sudden danger?
We can avoid fearing sudden danger by trusting in the Lord, who will be our confidence and keep our foot from the snare, as stated in Proverbs 3:26, and by seeking wisdom and guidance from Him, as encouraged in Proverbs 2:1-6 and James 1:5.
What is the difference between the fear of the Lord and the fear of danger?
The fear of the Lord is a reverent and respectful fear that leads to obedience and trust, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:12-13 and Psalm 111:10, whereas the fear of danger is an anxious and debilitating fear that can lead to unbelief and doubt, as warned against in Proverbs 3:25 and 2 Timothy 1:7.
How does trusting in the Lord help us overcome fear?
Trusting in the Lord helps us overcome fear because it allows us to put our confidence in His power and promises, as stated in Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 41:10, and to trust that He will keep us safe and secure, even in the midst of danger, as promised in Psalm 121:7-8 and Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am currently fearing sudden danger or the ruin that overtakes the wicked, and how can I apply the truth of Proverbs 3:25 to those areas?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in the Lord and His promises, so that I can overcome fear and anxiety in my daily life?
- What are some ways that I can seek wisdom and guidance from the Lord, as encouraged in Proverbs 2:1-6, and how can I apply that wisdom to my life?
- What does it mean to have the Lord as my confidence, as stated in Proverbs 3:26, and how can I experience that confidence in my own life?
- How can I balance the need to be aware of potential dangers with the command not to fear sudden danger, as seen in Proverbs 3:25 and Matthew 10:28?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:25
Be not afraid of sudden fear,.... Of anything terrible that comes unawares, unthought of, by any of the above things mentioned in the preceding note; or by any rumours and reports of danger being
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:25
Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:25
Be not afraid, i.e. thou shalt not be afraid. For that it is a promise, seems most probable from the context; only it is for greater emphasis delivered in the form of a precept; I allow thee and require thee not to be afraid, which is both thy duty and privilege. Of sudden fear; for sudden and unexpected evils are most frightful and grievous. And fear is here put for the evils feared, as ,27, and oft elsewhere. The desolation of the wicked; either, 1. Actively, which they bring upon thee. Or, rather 2. Passively, which befalls them, when the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, as it is expressed, ; and thou mayst be apt to fear lest thou shouldst be involved in the common calamity; but fear not, for God will then hide thee in his chambers, as he promised, .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:25
Proverbs 3:25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.Ver. 25. Be not afraid.] Or, Thou shalt not be afraid. Nec si fractus illabatur orbis. Sudden evils do commonly disspirit people, and expectorate their abilities; they be at their wits’ end. But let a David "walk through the vale of the shadow of death," that is, the darkest side of death - death in its most horrid and hideous representations, he will not fear, no though he should go back again the same way; "for thou art with me," saith he. He had God by the hand, and so long he feared no colours.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 3:25
(25) Desolation of the wicked.—That is, the storm which overwhelms them.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:25
25. Be not afraid] Dean Plumptre (Speaker’s Comm.) points out that, “under the form of this strong prohibition there is of course an equally strong promise,” so that these two verses add yet another to the advantages to be gained from Wisdom: it confers both strength and beauty (Proverbs 3:22); it preserves alike in action and in repose (Proverbs 3:23-24); it is equal to every emergency of life (Proverbs 3:25-26). desolation] or, storm, R.V. marg. of the wicked] This may mean, brought upon thee by the wicked. So Maurer, who compares, “rescue my soul from their destructions.” Psalms 35:17; and Vulg. irruentes tibi potentias impiorum. But it is perhaps better to understand it of the desolation or storm which comes upon the wicked. Comp. Psalms 91:8. Proverbs 3:27-35. There is a marked change of style in these verses, and they are regarded by Maurer (who describes them as singularia aliqua prœcepta) and others as a separate section. The continuous address is exchanged for the concise sentences or “proverbs,” which form the bulk of the Book.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 3:25
Under the form of this strong prohibition there is an equally strong promise. So safe will all thy ways be that to fear will be a sin.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:25
25. Be not afraid — The imperative form here is put for a strong indicative. Thou shalt not, or needest not, be afraid of any sudden fear, or object of terror.
Sermons on Proverbs 3:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Presence of Mind by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of maintaining a presence of mind amidst sudden fears and the chaos of the wicked's desolation, reminding believers that God is their confid |
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Being Prepared by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the importance of being prudent and prepared for adversity, drawing lessons from biblical figures like Noah, Joseph, and the Apostle Paul who faced hardsh |
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Gods Presence by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is interested in each individual as if they were the only person in the world. He uses the story of Elisha and his servant to illus |
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(Belarus) God Has Risen to Defend His Name by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes God's promises of provision and protection for his people. He highlights that God has promised that his people will never have to beg for br |
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Four Wonderful Discoveries by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the providence of God and how He prepares and guides His people. He emphasizes that if God has led someone to a particular church or ministry, |
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Don't Be Dismayed, God Will Not Fail You by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joshua in the book of Joshua, chapter 8. The Lord speaks to Joshua and tells him not to fear or be discouraged, as He has given |
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God Can Fix Anything by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God to fix anything that has gone wrong in our lives. He starts by reminding the congregation that everyone needs something fix |