Fear of others becomes a snare, but the one who trusts in the LORD is safe. Proverbs 29:25 NABRE
This proverb challenges us to be independent and trust in God, who is our only safety. The term fear of others addresses the ease with which we succumb to peer pressure. We look for approval from those who are around us; we want them to think highly of us, to respect us, to tell us how wonderful we are. We are in a constant search for approval mistaking it for love. But, when we seek approval from others we give them the power to crush us. If we depend on a friend to tell us how strong, or smart, or pretty, or compassionate, or loving, or any of a number of complimentary characteristics, we give them power over us. If we are in a situation where we should speak up but don’t because others who we are seeking approval from don’t speak up, or we care too much about what they think, most likely we are failing God. If we should act but don’t because of those around us, most likely we are failing God. This is the snare (the trap) we will be caught up in when we fear others, we lose our way, our courage, our goodness. If we trust in the Lord, we are safe. It may mean we go it alone, but we will be right, we’ll be an instrument of God’s. A fear of disapproval from the group can lead us to evil. Our trust should be in the Lord.
Hold your own approval, don’t let another’s flattery or mockery effect you. We can’t stop seeking approval, but only trust that approval when it comes from God, who loves you. Don’t be trapped by vainglory and approval from those who we think love us. They are looking for their own approval. Trust God.
Do you recognize that you are seeking approval from others, in fact you may even choose your friends based on their approval of you? Do you know you will never be satisfied until you get God’s approval?
Hold your own approval, don’t let another’s flattery or mockery effect you. We can’t stop seeking approval, but only trust that approval when it comes from God, who loves you. Share on X#bible #godisgreat #jesus#christianity #dailybibleverse@youversion #BeAnEncourager#snare #safety #Proverbs#everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist#jesussaves #godisgood#dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture#bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray#prayer #goodnews #loveeachother#godisgreat #thisVineyard#youversion #everythingalways