The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

PROVERBS 29:25KJV
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Proverbs 29:25 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 29:25 mean?

Proverbs 29:25 warns that being overly concerned about what other people think or fearing their opinions can trap a person, but trusting in the LORD brings true security. The verse contrasts the dangers of living to please people with the safety found in relying on God.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, aimed at guiding everyday people in making wise choices. The verse uses the image of a "snare" to show how fear of others can limit freedom and lead to trouble, while trust in the LORD offers a sense of safety that does not depend on changing human opinions.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 29:25

  • "fear" (חֶרְדַּת, ḥerdat): This word means a trembling or dread, highlighting a deep anxiety about what others might do or think.
  • "snare" (מוֹקֵשׁ, moqesh): This refers to a literal trap used for catching animals, suggesting that fear of people can catch or entangle someone unexpectedly.
  • "trust" (בָּטַח, batach): This word carries the sense of confidence or bold reliance, not just a vague hope but a settled assurance in the LORD.
  • "safe" (שָׂגַב, sagab): This means to be set securely on high, out of reach of danger, painting a picture of real protection that comes from God.

Why Proverbs 29:25 matters

  • Proverbs 29:25 clarifies that worrying about human approval is not just uncomfortable but actually dangerous, as it can control and trap a person’s decisions.
  • The verse emphasizes that the kind of safety God gives is different from any security people can offer, shifting the focus from social pressures to spiritual confidence.
  • In the context of Proverbs, this saying fits with the broader theme of choosing wisdom over fear, and trusting God rather than being swayed by the crowd.

Where else these words appear

“fear” Hebrew H2731 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 27:33 And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed.
  • 2 Kings 4:13 And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.
  • Jeremiah 30:5 For thus saith the LORD; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.

“safe” Hebrew H7682 · used in 20 verses

  • Deuteronomy 2:36 From Aroer, which is by the brink of the river of Arnon, and from the city that is by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us:
  • Psalms 91:14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
  • Isaiah 2:11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

“snare” Hebrew H4170 · used in 27 verses

  • Exodus 10:7 And Pharaoh's servants said unto him, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? let the men go, that they may serve the LORD their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?
  • 2 Samuel 22:6 The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me;
  • Proverbs 12:13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

“trust” Hebrew H982 · used in 117 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:52 And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, until thy high and fenced walls come down, wherein thou trustedst, throughout all thy land: and he shall besiege thee in all thy gates throughout all thy land, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.
  • Psalms 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
  • Isaiah 30:12 Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: