Trust in God, Not the Opinions of People
Have you ever made a choice just because you were worried about what others might say? Maybe you held back from speaking your mind, or did something you didn’t feel good about, simply to please someone else. If so, you’re not alone — and the Bible actually talks about this.
Proverbs 29:25 puts it simply: “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” What does that mean in everyday language? Let’s break it down.
What Is “The Fear of Man”?
It’s not talking about being scared of everyone you meet. The “fear of man” is that feeling of anxiety when we care too much about others’ opinions, or when we let what other people think guide our choices — even if it means going against what we know is right. It’s the pressure to “fit in” or avoid standing out, even at the cost of our own values.
The Snare: Why Is This a Problem?
The verse says this kind of fear is a snare — like a trap that catches an animal. When we live to please people or avoid their criticism, we get stuck. We might find ourselves doing things we regret, staying silent when we should speak up, or feeling anxious and unhappy because we’re not being true to ourselves. It’s like walking through life on eggshells, always afraid of making a wrong move.
Trusting in the Lord: The Better Way
But the second part of the verse points to a better option: “Whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” Instead of letting people’s opinions control us, we can choose to trust God and follow His guidance. This doesn’t mean ignoring others or acting selfishly — it means making choices based on what’s right, not just what’s popular.
When we put our trust in God, we gain a sense of security that doesn’t depend on what others say or do. We can act with confidence and integrity, knowing that our worth and safety come from God, not from the approval of people around us.
Practical Takeaways
· Don’t Be a People-Pleaser: If you find yourself agreeing with everyone just to avoid conflict, remember that you can’t please everyone — and that’s okay.
· Stand Up For What’s Right: Even if others might not like it, have the courage to do the right thing. Your values matter more than someone else’s temporary approval.
· Trust God’s Opinion Most: When you feel nervous about what others might say, pause and ask yourself what God would want you to do. Let that be your guide.
· Find Real Security: Instead of basing your self-worth on likes, comments, or what people say behind your back, remember that your value comes from God’s love and promises.
Related Wisdom from Proverbs 29
Some of the other verses in Proverbs 29 remind us that:
· Acting out of fear — instead of conscience or love — leads to trouble (v.19).
· People who are proud or quick to argue get themselves into more trouble than those who are humble (v.20-23).
· If we are ashamed to be honest about our faith, we miss out on the safety and strength that comes from trusting in God (v.25).
Final Thought
Life gets a lot simpler and freer when we stop worrying so much about other people’s opinions. Proverbs 29:25 encourages us: don’t let fear of people’s reactions trap you. Instead, put your trust in God — that’s where real safety and peace are found.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 