“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.” (Proverbs 14:26)
The fear of God is one of the richest and most misunderstood graces in the Christian life. Scripture repeatedly commends it, and yet we continue to think of fear as being contrary to confidence, peace, and assurance. However, the Word of God joins them together. And understood correctly, we can see why.
A proper, godly fear of the Lord gives way to strong confidence because when we are in a right relationship with God, in communion with Him, we have no cause to fear men.
There is a fear born from bondage, as well as a very different fear born from sonship. The first dreads punishment while remaining unchanged in heart. The second fears offending his Father because of his great love for the Father. So the one flees from His wrath, and the other bows before His holiness in reverent worship and affection.
The distinction is critical. Many only fear punishment. They avoid certain sins because conscience alarms them or judgment terrifies them. Yet if their fear of punishment could be removed, they would gladly continue in rebellion. Such fear cannot produce true worship because it springs from self-preservation rather than love for God.[1]
The fear commended in Scripture is different. It arises from grace. The believer sees the mercy of God in Christ and therefore fears grieving such a gracious Father. Mercy itself teaches holy reverence. The pardoned soul trembles not because God is cruel, but because He is infinitely holy and infinitely good. And thus confidence is born.
The world believes confidence comes through self-reliance, earthly security, wealth, influence, or human strength. Scripture teaches otherwise. The strongest confidence belongs to the soul resting under the favor of God.
The believer still faces trials, enemies, afflictions, and dangers. Yet the fear of God frees us from bondage to lesser fears. Men cannot ultimately destroy those whom God preserves. As this proverb states, the Lord Himself becomes our refuge, defense, and hiding place.
This holy fear also preserves us from living spiritually careless. Reverent fear keeps us watchful, prayerful, and dependent and produces humility instead of presumption.
We seek the Father for grace to fear Him while resting confidently in His mercy. And in fearing Him rightly, we find safety, confidence, perseverance, and peace.
Contemplations:
- My Tendency Toward Wrong Fear. How often my heart fears lesser things more than it fears God. I can become anxious about circumstances, opinions, troubles, or uncertainties while forgetting the greatness of the Lord who governs all things. This proverb reminds me that holy fear actually steadies my soul. When I rest beneath God’s authority and care, lesser fears lose their power over me.
- My Need for Fatherly Reverence. I do not want to fear consequences while secretly loving sin. I want a heart that fears displeasing God because He has shown me mercy in Christ. And the more I consider God’s goodness toward me, the more I desire to walk carefully before Him.
- My Comfort in God as Refuge. I find comfort knowing that God Himself becomes a refuge for His children. Earthly protections fail, but His care never fails. When I become overwhelmed by uncertainty, this promise reminds me that my safety does not rest in my own strength but in the strength of my Heavenly Father.
- My Desire for Watchfulness. I sometimes drift toward spiritual carelessness when life feels comfortable. This passage reminds me that holy fear keeps the soul awake. I want to live watchfully, prayerfully, and humbly before God rather than becoming spiritually dull or self-confident.
Prayer (Supplication):
Most holy and gracious Father, teach me the true fear of the Lord. Deliver me from slavish fear that only fears punishment while remaining unchanged within. Form instead a reverent heart within me that desires to honor You because of Your holiness, mercy, and goodness.
Lord, I confess how easily lesser fears rise within me. I worry about uncertainties, human opinions, and future concerns. Yet You alone are my refuge and defense. Strengthen my confidence in Your providence so that every other fear loses its hold on me.
Grant me that fatherly reverence which belongs to Your children. Let me fear grieving You more than losing comfort, reputation, or earthly security. Teach me to walk before You, not in terror but from love awakened by grace.
Keep my conscience tender and my soul watchful. Do not let prosperity, comfort, or routine dull my awareness of Your majesty. Let holy reverence remain active within me so that I continue seeking You earnestly.
And when dangers surround me, remind me that Your everlasting arms remain underneath Your people. When weakness overwhelms me, let me remember that true confidence is found not in myself but in Your covenant mercy.
Lord Jesus, thank You that through Your redeeming work sinners may approach God not only as Judge, but as reconciled Father. Through You alone fearful rebels become beloved children.
Holy Spirit, continue teaching my heart to worship God rightly. Remove proud self-confidence and replace it with humble dependence. Let reverence and assurance dwell together within me according to Your Word.
And keep me steadfast in faith, careful in obedience, and peaceful in heart inside Your sovereign care. Let the fear of the Lord become my strength, refuge, and wisdom throughout all my days.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for Proverbs 14:26:
Prov. 18:10; Isa. 4:6; Deut. 33:27; Psalm 9:9
[1] George Downame, The Covenant of Grace, (London: John Macock for Ralph Smith .., 1647), 99-105.
