Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
Original Language Analysis
אָ֭דָם
of man
H120
אָ֭דָם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
2 of 7
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
יִתֵּ֣ן
bringeth
H5414
יִתֵּ֣ן
bringeth
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
3 of 7
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
מוֹקֵ֑שׁ
a snare
H4170
מוֹקֵ֑שׁ
a snare
Strong's:
H4170
Word #:
4 of 7
a noose (for catching animals) (literally or figuratively); by implication, a hook (for the nose)
וּבוֹטֵ֖חַ
but whoso putteth his trust
H982
וּבוֹטֵ֖חַ
but whoso putteth his trust
Strong's:
H982
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
Cross References
Psalms 118:8It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.Luke 12:4And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.Proverbs 18:10The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.Psalms 91:14Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.Proverbs 16:20He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.Proverbs 30:5Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.Psalms 125:1They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.1 Chronicles 5:20And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.1 Peter 1:21Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.John 9:22These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
Historical Context
Israel's history demonstrated this truth repeatedly: kings who feared surrounding nations made destructive alliances, while those who trusted God alone found protection. The fear of man led to Saul's disobedience (1 Samuel 15:24) and Peter's denial of Christ (Matthew 26:69-75).
Questions for Reflection
- In what situations does fear of others' opinions influence your decisions more than trust in God?
- How would your daily choices change if you truly believed that trust in the Lord makes you 'safe'?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The 'fear of man' (Hebrew 'cheredat'—anxiety, dread) becomes a snare that traps and controls, while trust in the Lord provides true safety (Hebrew 'sagab'—set on high, protected). This proverb diagnoses a root cause of compromise and unfaithfulness: caring more about human opinion than God's approval. The contrast teaches that whoever we fear will control us—either enslaved to man's approval or safe in God's keeping.