Encouragement

Beware of the Snare

by Megan Hughes
03/03/26
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What is the snare? 

We read in Proverbs 29:25, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”

The fear of man. Have you ever encountered this feeling? It presents when finding ourselves in uncomfortable, compromising, or conflicting conversations. This signifies a moment where we yield, losing our ability to speak out and use our voice for God.

A ‘snare’ is a trap that uses the tactic of snapping a noose around the victim’s neck. This can happen to us. We choke and back away from confrontation. A ‘snare’ limits freedom in Christ and causes people to live in anxiety about criticism or rejection.

When we value the opinions of people more than God, we turn others into an idol. It shows up as an intense desire for human recognition, often leading to peer pressure and compromising one’s faith or convictions.

The ‘fear of man’ brings a strong sense of wanting approval, craving the favor of friendship or the opinions of others rather than God. It causes people-pleasing, compromises obedience to Christ and replaces the ‘fear of God’ with dread of human judgment.

The fear of man leads away from God and toward sin. This is the ‘sneaky snare’ to be aware of on your path.

King Saul feared public opinion, leading him to disobey divine plans. 1 Samuel 15:24

Peter and the Apostles were told to stop preaching but said, “We must obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29

What a contrast between the two outcomes. It will be fear or faith. In that moment, reacting then rests upon your choice.

Someone who ‘fears man’ focuses on themselves. The ‘snare’ causes a “mute” witness, making them more concerned with their own reputation rather than God’s glory.

What is the remedy for the fear of man, the hidden snare?

Let us read the scripture verse we began with.

“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” Proverbs 29:25

Whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. Recognize when the sneaky snare surfaces in a conversation. Be aware of the fear of man creeping into your heart and trust the Lord. Stand your ground and give glory to God. He will equip you when you respond in faith. Wisdom lies in the fear of the Lord, not the fear of men.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 9:10.

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” Psalm 56:3-4

And ending with the words of John in the book of 1 John 4:4, “Little children, you overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

The fear of man causes us to believe more in our emotions rather than to believe in God. It causes us to fall into the trappings of pride and compromise.

The treasure of true wisdom depends on an unwavering decision. Who will you fear? Will it be man or the Lord? Will you succumb to the snare? Again, I say, beware.