The Biblical Perspective on the Fear of Man

 

The concept of the "fear of man" is a recurrent theme in Biblical scripture, offering insights into the complexities of human behavior, social interactions, and spiritual priorities. This Blog post examines the Biblical portrayal of the fear of man. This issue is particularly relevant in today's world, where the Bible and God's perspective are deemed intolerant by those who preach tolerance yet deny the authority of God. How are we, as Christians, to respond?

Defining the Fear of Man

The term "fear of man" in the Biblical context often refers to a psychological and spiritual state where an individual's actions, thoughts, or feelings are unduly influenced by their concern for human opinions, approval, or rejection. This fear can manifest in various forms, such as peer pressure, the desire for approval, or the avoidance of conflict.

Biblical References

Proverbs 29:25 (ESV): "The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe." This verse succinctly captures the essence of the concept, contrasting the dangers of fearing man with the security found in trusting God.

Galatians 1:10 (ESV): "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." Paul's rhetorical questions highlight the mutually exclusive nature of serving Christ and seeking human approval.

John 12:42-43 (ESV): "...for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God." This passage reflects the conflict between divine and human approval.

Theological Implications

The fear of man is seen as antithetical to the fear of God, a concept reverberating throughout the scriptures.

Proverbs 1:7 (ESV): "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." This verse establishes the foundational role of fearing God in acquiring wisdom.

Isaiah 51:12 (ESV): "I, I am he who comforts you; who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, of the son of man who is made like grass." This verse contrasts the transient nature of man with the eternal nature of God, questioning the rationale behind fearing man.

Consequences of Fearing Man

The Bible explains the negative consequences of the fear of man:

Compromising Integrity: In 1 Samuel 15:24 (ESV), Saul admits to fearing the people and obeying their voice, leading him to violate God’s command.

Hindering God’s Work: In Nehemiah 6:19 (ESV), Tobiah and Sanballat's influence on the nobles of Judah attempted to incite fear, potentially hindering the work of Nehemiah.

Spiritual Stagnation: In Matthew 14:30 (ESV), Peter's fear of the wind and waves while walking on water towards Jesus illustrates how fear can impede faith.

Fearless Faith in Daniel

The Book of Daniel in the Old Testament presents several compelling narratives where the protagonists demonstrate an unwavering commitment to God, despite facing severe threats and consequences from earthly authorities. These stories are profound examples of faith and courage, highlighting how the absence of fear of man can lead to the glorification of God.

Daniel’s Resolve and God’s Glory

Refusal to Defile with Royal Food (Daniel 1:8-20)

Daniel and his companions, upon being taken to Babylon, refuse to defile themselves with the king's food and wine, a decision fraught with potential repercussions, including accusations of disrespect and ingratitude towards the king. Despite these risks, their commitment leads to a demonstration of God’s providence and favor, as they end up healthier than those who partook in the royal provisions. This incident sets the stage for the theme of God's faithfulness in response to unwavering loyalty.

The Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3:1-30)

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's refusal to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, despite the threat of being cast into a fiery furnace, is a profound example of fearless faith. Their statement in Daniel 3:17-18 (ESV), “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us... But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods,” epitomizes their absolute trust in God, regardless of the outcome. Their miraculous survival and Nebuchadnezzar’s subsequent acknowledgment of God's power glorify God immensely, showcasing His sovereignty over earthly rulers.

Daniel in the Lions’ Den (Daniel 6:1-28)

Daniel's continued practice of prayer, despite Darius’ decree that made it a punishable offense, leads to his being thrown into the lions’ den. His unwavering commitment to God, even in the face of death, results in divine intervention and his miraculous preservation. The impact of this event extends beyond his personal deliverance; King Darius issues a decree that acknowledges the power of Daniel's God, thus leading to the glorification of God across the empire.

Daniel Highlights Key Theological Implications

Sovereignty of God: The stories illustrate God's supreme authority over all earthly powers and circumstances.

Faith and Obedience: The protagonists’ actions demonstrate that true obedience to God sometimes requires defiance of human authority, especially when such authority demands actions contrary to God’s commands.

Divine Protection and Vindication: In each instance, God's direct intervention serves as a vindication of the protagonists' faith, reinforcing the Biblical theme that God protects and honors those who remain faithful to Him.

The Church Fathers

Augustine of Hippo: In his exegesis of Psalm 27, Augustine contrasts the fear of the Lord with the fear of man, asserting that the former leads to steadfastness, while the latter results in instability.

John Chrysostom: In his Homilies on Galatians, Chrysostom comments on Galatians 1:10, emphasizing the impossibility of simultaneously pleasing God and man.

Hebrew and Greek Nuances

The Hebrew word רְאָה "Yirah": In Proverbs 29:25, יִרְאָה implies both fear and reverence, indicating a deep emotional and spiritual response.

The Greek word φόβος "Phobos": In the New Testament, φόβος often translates to fear or terror, but it also conveys a sense of respect or awe, especially in the context of the fear of God.

Conclusion

The Book of Daniel provides compelling examples of how the absence of fear of man, coupled with unwavering faith in God, can lead to extraordinary demonstrations of God’s power and glory. These narratives serve not only as historical accounts of faithfulness in extreme adversity but also as timeless reminders of the virtues of courage, integrity, and trust in God's sovereignty.

The Biblical guidance on the fear of man offers profound insights into human nature and spiritual priorities. It cautions against allowing human opinions to dictate one’s actions and attitudes, advocating instead for a primary focus on God’s will and approval. This theme not only reflects the spiritual conflicts and choices faced by individuals but also serves as a guide for maintaining integrity and faith in a world where the fear of man is pervasive.