Proverbs 3:25
Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּ֭ירָא
Be not afraid
H3372
תִּ֭ירָא
Be not afraid
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
2 of 8
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
מִפַּ֣חַד
fear
H6343
מִפַּ֣חַד
fear
Strong's:
H6343
Word #:
3 of 8
a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)
וּמִשֹּׁאַ֥ת
neither of the desolation
H7722
וּמִשֹּׁאַ֥ת
neither of the desolation
Strong's:
H7722
Word #:
5 of 8
a tempest; by implication, devastation
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
of the wicked
H7563
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
of the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
6 of 8
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
Cross References
Psalms 112:7He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.1 Peter 3:14But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;Psalms 91:5Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;Psalms 73:19How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.Mark 4:40And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?Matthew 24:6And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.John 14:1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.Luke 21:9But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.Proverbs 1:27When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.Matthew 24:15When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
Historical Context
Reflects the security promised under Davidic covenant - enemies would threaten but God would protect His people. Written during Israel's most secure period, yet principles apply to believers in any era facing threats.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'sudden fears' currently disturb your peace that trust in God should alleviate?
- How does confidence in God's providence change your response to unexpected difficulties?
Analysis & Commentary
Be not afraid of sudden fear or desolation that comes upon the wicked. The command not to fear sudden calamity reflects trust in divine providence protecting the righteous. While the wicked face unexpected destruction, believers rest in God's sovereign care. This doesn't promise exemption from trials but freedom from paralyzing fear of disaster. Such confidence flows from covenant relationship, not personal merit.