Squirrel in the Headlights

(Proverbs 29:25 KJV)  The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

In Proverbs at least four Hebrew words are translated “fear” (2731) in the NASB.  In the KJV there are seven.  The most common translation in both is “trembling.”  This is not the fear that is used in regard to fearing the Lord.

The fear of the Lord is rooted in awe.  We see our contrasting insignificance and are gripped by the holiness and righteousness of God.  Our feeling is unworthiness.  The fear of man is rooted in an awareness of evil and the destructive power of selfishness.

This is the fear of a squirrel in the middle of the street when it suddenly realizes that a truck is rushing toward it.  It freezes motion and insures death.  The fear of the Lord is more like being on a roller coaster as it comes over that first big hill and we know we are going to die, but we know we are not going to die.  It makes for an awesome ride.

So?  Put your trust in the right place.  Then sit down, grab hold and enjoy the ride.