Topical Encyclopedia Unholy fear, particularly the fear of man, is a concept addressed in the Bible as a detrimental and spiritually unhealthy state. This type of fear contrasts with the fear of the Lord, which is considered the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). The fear of man is characterized by an undue concern for human opinion, approval, or disapproval, often leading individuals away from obedience to God.Biblical References and Descriptions 1. Proverbs 29:25 · "The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high." This verse highlights the entrapment that comes from fearing human judgment. It suggests that reliance on God provides security and freedom from such snares. 2. Isaiah 51:12-13 · "I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mortal man, the sons of men who are but grass? But you have forgotten the LORD, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth." Here, the prophet Isaiah reminds the people of God's sovereignty and power, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of human beings. The fear of man is depicted as a form of forgetfulness of God's omnipotence. 3. 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." This passage illustrates how the fear of man can lead to a denial of faith and truth, prioritizing human approval over divine commendation. 4. Galatians 1:10 · "Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." The Apostle Paul emphasizes the incompatibility of serving Christ with seeking human approval. The fear of man is presented as a hindrance to true discipleship. Theological Implications The fear of man is often rooted in a lack of faith or trust in God's provision and protection. It can manifest as anxiety, peer pressure, or a desire for social acceptance, leading individuals to compromise their beliefs or values. This fear can result in disobedience to God's commands, as seen in the example of King Saul, who disobeyed God due to fear of the people (1 Samuel 15:24). Practical Considerations Believers are encouraged to cultivate a fear of the Lord, which leads to life, wisdom, and security. This involves a deep reverence for God and a commitment to His will above all else. Overcoming the fear of man requires a focus on God's eternal perspective rather than temporary human opinions. Prayer, meditation on Scripture, and fellowship with other believers can strengthen one's resolve to prioritize God's approval. In summary, unholy fear, particularly the fear of man, is a spiritual pitfall that can lead to compromised faith and disobedience. Scripture consistently calls believers to trust in the Lord and seek His approval above all, recognizing the transient nature of human opinion in light of God's eternal truth. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 15:24And Saul said to Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and your words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 9:22 Library A Treatise of the Fear of God; The Spirit of Bondage and of Adoption. The Spirit of Whitsuntide. The Repentance of Believers Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... On the Discoveries of Faith Mongrel Religion Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy. Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount Interpretation of Holy Scripture. --Inspired Interpretation. --The ... Resources What does it mean to have the fear of God? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I overcome the fear of death? How can I stop being scared of dying? | GotQuestions.org Is there any reason to fear going into a cemetery / graveyard? | GotQuestions.org Fear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fear of God: A Motive of Obedience Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: David Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Job, According to the Testimony of Satan Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Jonah, During the Storm Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Noah, in Preparing the Ark Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: The Jews, in Obeying the Voice of the Lord Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: The Women at the Grave Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Adam and Eve Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Demons Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Judas Fear of God: Guilty Fear: The Guards at Jesus' Tomb Fear of God: Hezekiah, in his Treatment of the Prophet Micah, Who Prophesied Harm Against Jerusalem Fear of God: Jacob, in the Vision of the Ladder, and the Covenant of God Fear of God: Obadiah, in Sheltering One-Hundred Prophets Against the Wrath of Jezebel Fear of God: Phinehas, in Turning Away the Anger of God at the Time of the Plague Fear of God: The Egyptians, at the Time of the Plague of Thunder and Hail and Fire Fear of God: The Midwives of Egypt, in Refusing to Take the Lives of the Hebrew Children Fear of God: The Nine and One-Half Tribes of Israel West of the Jordan River Godly Fear: A Characteristic of Saints Godly Fear: A Fountain of Life Godly Fear: A Treasure to Saints Godly Fear: Filial and Reverential Godly Fear: God is the Author of Godly Fear: God is the Object of Godly Fear: Motives to Judgments of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Forgiveness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Goodness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Greatness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Holiness of God Godly Fear: Motives to Wondrous Works of God Godly Fear: Necessary to Avoiding of Sin Godly Fear: Necessary to Impartial Administration of Justice Godly Fear: Necessary to Perfecting Holiness Godly Fear: Necessary to Righteous Government Godly Fear: Necessary to The Service of God Godly Fear: Necessary to The Worship of God Godly Fear: Searching the Scriptures Gives the Understanding of Godly Fear: should Accompany the Joy of Saints Godly Fear: should be Constantly Maintained Godly Fear: should be Exhibited in Giving a Reason for Our Hope Godly Fear: should be Exhibited in Our Callings Godly Fear: should be Prayed For Godly Fear: should be Taught to Others Godly Fear: The Wicked Destitute of Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Accepted of God Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Blessed Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Pitied by God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Afford Pleasure to God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Confide in God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Converse Together of Holy Things Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Days of, Prolonged Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Depart from Evil Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Desires of, Fulfilled by God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Receive Mercy from God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: should not Fear Man Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Future Punishment Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Idols Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Judgments Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Man Unholy Fear is Described as Consuming Unholy Fear is Described as Overwhelming Unholy Fear: A Characteristic of the Wicked Unholy Fear: A Guilty Conscience Leads To Unholy Fear: Adonijah's Guests Unholy Fear: Exhortations Against Unholy Fear: Saints Delivered From Unholy Fear: Saints Sometimes Tempted To Unholy Fear: Seizes the Wicked Unholy Fear: Shall be Realised Unholy Fear: Surprises the Hypocrite Unholy Fear: The Wicked Judicially Filled With Unholy Fear: Trust in God, a Preservative From Related Terms |
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