What does Proverbs 29:25 mean?
“The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.”
Quick answer
The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe. Wanting human approval is a trap; trusting God is the way out.
What it means
"Fear of man" includes wanting to be liked, fearing rejection, dreading criticism. Proverbs calls it a snare — a trap that catches us.
The alternative is not bravado but trust — leaning into God for what we need to do the right thing.
Many decisions are shaped not by the right course but by who we are afraid of. The verse names that and offers a way out.
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Original BibleDawn explanation · reviewed 2026-06-07. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.