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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 29:25

Here, 1. We are cautioned not to dread the power of man, neither the power of a prince nor the power of the multitude; both are formidable enough, but the slavish fear of either brings a snare, that is, exposes men to many insults (some take a pride in terrifying the timorous), or rather exposes men to many temptations. Abraham, for fear of man, denied his wife, and Peter his Master, and many a one his God and religion. We must not shrink from duty, nor commit sin, to avoid the wrath of man,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 29:25

The fear of man bringeth a snare ,.... Either that which is subjectively in man; not a divine fear, or the fear of God, that grace which is put into the heart, for that leads to no snare, but tends to life; but a human fear, a servile one, a distrust of the power and providence, grace and goodness, of God, which has torment in it; which brings into bondage, and into many distresses and difficulties, and is opposed to trust in the Lord: or objectively, which has man for its object; a fear of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 29:25

The fear of man bringeth a snare - How often has this led weak men, though sincere in their general character, to deny their God, and abjure his people! See the case of Peter; and learn from this, O reader, that where the mighty have been slain, thou wilt fall, unless thou call on the Strong for strength, and for courage to use it. Be not ashamed of Jesus nor of his people, nor of his cross. Glory in this, that thou knowest him, art joined to them, and art counted worthy to bear it. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 29:24-27

Prevalence in alliance with religion I. PRUDENCE AND RELIGION ARE EVER IN HARMONY . There can be no divorce between them. We are not placed between cross lights here. What intelligent regard to self prescribes, God's Law commands. Approach the facts of life from these two opposite sides, travel by either of these two paths, they meet at last in duty, in safety, in peace, and salvation. II. SOME EXAMPLES OF THIS HARMONY . 1 . All dishonesty or complicity... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 29:25

The fear of man bringeth a snare. He who, through fear of what man may do to him, think or say of him, does what he knows to be wrong, lets his moral cowardice lead him into sin, leaves duty undone,—such a man gets no real good from his weakness, outrages conscience, displeases God. See our Lord's words. Whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe ( Proverbs 18:10 ). Such trust carries a man safe through all dangers; fearing to offend God, living as always under his eye, he feels... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 29:25

The fear of man I. THE FEAR . 1 . In what it consists . This fear is a dread of the disfavour of man, and its hurtful results. It may take various forms. (1) Fear of human authority. Thus, in days of persecution, the weak shrink from martyrdom. Wrongs are often permitted for fear of the consequences of agitating against them. 2 . How it originates . II. ITS SNARE . 1 . The deception of it . 2 . The fatality of it . This fear brings a snare. It... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 29:25-26

Two temptations and two resources As responsible human souls, we find ourselves exposed to two dangers, and we have two sources of refuge and strength of a very similar character. I. TWO TEMPTATIONS . 1 . To be unduly affected by the fear of man's displeasure. "The fear of man," etc. Now, the fear of man: By this unmanly and unholy fear we may be 2 . To be unduly impelled by a desire for man's favour. "Many seek the ruler's favour." There is, of course, nothing wrong in... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 29:25

Proverbs 29:25. The fear of man Inordinate fear of harm or suffering from men, which is properly opposed to trust in God, because it arises from a distrust of God’s promises and providence; bringeth a snare Is an occasion of many sins, and consequently of punishments from God: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord Walks in God’s ways, and securely relies upon him, to protect him from the designs and malice of wicked men; shall be safe Shall be preserved from all real evil, through... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 29:1-27

Authority with justice (29:1-27)Many themes that we have already met in Proverbs are repeated in this section: stubbornness, good and bad government, family values, prostitution, justice, flattery, cunning and concern for the poor (29:1-7). Scoffers are more than just fools; they are trouble-makers. They are not open to reason and cannot control their temper (8-11).Unjust rulers oppress innocent citizens, and the rich persecute the poor, but good and bad alike receive the blessings that God... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 29:25

The fear of man. Refers to the inward feeling of timidity. See note on "fear", 2 Timothy 1:7 . The fear . . . a snare. One of the two great snares. The other is "the praise of man": (John 12:43 . Compare Romans 2:29 . John 5:44 ). Illustrations: parents (John 9:22 ); rulers (John 12:42 ); Nicodemus (John 3:2 ; John 7:50 . Contrast Pro 19:39 ); Joseph (John 19:38 ); David (1 Samuel 16:12 , 1 Samuel 16:13 ; 1 Samuel 27:1 ); Elijah (1 Kings 19:3 , &c.); Peter (Matthew 26:69-74 ). putteth... read more

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