25 The fear of mankind is a snare,
but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected. (Proverbs 29:25 CSB)

We may fear many things, but far too often these are manmade fears. They are fears regarding circumstances or outcomes of earthly things. They are the fear of mankind.

Then there is a healthy fear of the Lord. A fear that has weight into eternity. This is the fear we should address and be most concerned with. This, though, is a healthy fear that leads to a better way of life. The former focuses upon circumstances with the latter stands firm on the promises of God.

The “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” and provides us with a basis from which to live. Not in abject fear but in better understanding how God’s love works. Placing our trust anywhere else leads to all forms of pain, discomfort and anxiety.

The other snare of the fear of mankind is it makes us people pleasers. We cannot honor God and man at the same time. This is being double minded and trying to serve two masters. We must remember that man is blow about, this way and that, by his own perverse will and desires. When we try to please one person with shifting desires we may run afoul of others directions.

No, only when we continually serve one master, God, will we find peace and focus.