TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 14:26–27.
In these two verses we are invited and encouraged to live in the fear of God by the advantages which attend a religious life. The fear of the Lord is here put for all gracious principles, producing gracious practices. 1. Where this reigns it produces a holy security and serenity of mind. There is in it a strong confidence; it enables a man still to hold fast both his purity and his peace, whatever happens, and gives him boldness before God and the world. I know that I shall be justified - None of these things move me; such is the language of this confidence. 2. It entails a blessing upon posterity. The children of those that by faith make God their confidence shall be encouraged by the promise that God will be a God to believers and to their seed to flee to him as their refuge, and they shall find shelter in him. The children of religious parents often do the better for their parents' instructions and example and fare the better for their faith and prayers. "Our fathers trusted in thee, therefore we will." 3. It is an over-flowing ever-flowing spring of comfort and joy; it is a fountain of life, yielding constant pleasure and satisfaction to the soul, joys that are pure and fresh, are life to the soul, and quench its thirst, and can never be drawn dry; it is a well of living water, that is springing up to, and is the earnest of, eternal life. 4. It is a sovereign antidote against sin and temptation. Those that have a true relish of the pleasures of serious godliness will not be allured by the baits of sin to swallow its hook; they know where to obtain better things than any it can pretend to offer, and therefore it is easy to them to depart from the snares of death and to keep their foot from being taken in them.
Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
“The fear of the Lord is the hope of courage.” When you fear the punishment that is threatened, you learn to love the reward that is promised; and thus through fear of punishment you keep on leading a good life, and by leading a good life you acquire a good conscience, so that finally through a good conscience you don’t fear any punishment. Therefore, learn how to fear, if you don’t want to be afraid.
Strength is never shown except in adversity, and so patience is immediately made to succeed to strength. For every person proves himself in a much truer sense to have advanced in strength in proportion as he bears with the bolder heart the wrongs of other persons.
In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence, etc. The fear of the Lord provides the confidence of strength, because indeed our mind more valiantly despises the terrors of temporal things as much as it submits itself more truly to their creator through strength. The sons of the fear of the Lord are those who are governed by divine fear, just as the sons of power and the sons of resurrection, those who are zealous for virtues, or who pertain to the joys of the resurrection, who will have hope, according to that saying of the Psalmist, Those who fear the Lord, hope in the Lord (Psalm CXIII). Of which hope he consequently adds:
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Summary
Proverbs 14:26 profoundly declares that a life lived in reverent awe of the LORD is the ultimate source of unwavering security and assurance. This divine relationship not only bestows robust confidence upon the individual but also extends a protective shelter to their descendants, ensuring a secure haven in times of trouble. The verse encapsulates a foundational principle of biblical wisdom: true safety and peace are found not in worldly provisions, but in a devoted and obedient relationship with God.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 14 is situated within the "Solomonic proverbs" (Proverbs 10:1–22:16), a section characterized by its succinct, often antithetical, statements that illuminate the stark contrast between wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness. Verse 26, typical of this collection, employs synthetic parallelism, where the second clause expands upon or completes the thought presented in the first. It is closely connected to other proverbs that underscore the profound benefits of fearing the LORD. For instance, Proverbs 14:27 immediately follows, stating, "The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death." This immediate proximity reinforces the idea that reverence for God is not merely an abstract theological concept but a practical pathway to abundant life, security, and deliverance from peril. The verse also resonates with the overarching theme of the entire book, where wisdom is intrinsically linked to a right relationship with God, as famously articulated in Proverbs 1:7.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Book of Proverbs emerged from the broader ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, yet it is uniquely grounded in Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. In an ancient world often marked by political instability, inter-tribal conflicts, and unpredictable natural disasters, the concept of a "refuge" was not merely a theoretical construct but a vital, tangible necessity for survival. For the Israelites, God was understood as their ultimate protector and deliverer, a theme profoundly expressed throughout the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 46:1). The emphasis on "his children" reflects the patriarchal and communal nature of Israelite society, where family lineage and the well-being of future generations were of paramount importance. Blessings and curses were often perceived as extending across generations, making the spiritual choices and faithfulness of parents profoundly impactful on their offspring. Consequently, the promise of refuge for children would have resonated deeply within a culture that highly valued continuity of family and legacy.
Key Themes
Proverbs 14:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost among these is the theme of the "fear of the LORD," which is consistently presented as the "beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). This "fear" is not a paralyzing terror, but a profound, reverential awe and humble submission to God's authority, holiness, and majesty, which naturally leads to obedience and trust. Secondly, the verse highlights divine security and protection, portraying God as the ultimate guarantor of safety and peace in a chaotic and unpredictable world. This security is comprehensive, encompassing not just physical safety but also spiritual and emotional well-being, providing "strong confidence" (Proverbs 3:26). Thirdly, it underscores the blessing of a godly legacy, emphasizing that the benefits of fearing the LORD extend beyond the individual to their "children," ensuring a "place of refuge" for future generations. This concept is deeply rooted in God's covenant promises throughout the Old Testament, where faithfulness is often met with multi-generational blessings (e.g., Deuteronomy 5:29).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H3374) signifies far more than mere fright; it denotes a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to God's holiness, power, and authority. It is a moral and spiritual disposition that acknowledges God's supreme sovereignty and leads to a life of obedience and worship. In the context of Proverbs, "fear of the LORD" is the foundational principle for true wisdom and righteous living, distinguishing it from humanistic or secular wisdom.
This term (H4009) refers to a firm reliance, trust, hope, or security. It indicates an unwavering assurance placed in something or someone. In this verse, it describes a subjective assurance that stems from an objective reality: God's immutable character and faithfulness. It implies a settled state of mind, free from anxiety or doubt, rooted entirely in God.
This term (H4268) literally means a shelter or a place of safety. Figuratively, it conveys the idea of divine protection, security, and a haven from danger, distress, or adversity. It implies a secure dwelling or retreat where one can find ultimate safety and solace, provided by God Himself.
Verse Breakdown
"In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence:"
This opening clause establishes both the prerequisite and the immediate, profound benefit. The "fear of the LORD"—understood as reverential awe, humble submission, and faithful obedience—is presented as the very foundation upon which "strong confidence" is built. This confidence is not human arrogance or self-reliance, but a divinely-rooted assurance, an unshakeable trust in God's character, power, and promises. It implies a profound inner stability and boldness that comes from knowing one is aligned with the Creator of the universe, providing peace amidst life's inherent uncertainties.
"and his children shall have a place of refuge."
The second clause reveals the generational blessing that flows from this reverent relationship with God. Those who fear the LORD are identified as "his children," implying a covenantal relationship of belonging and adoption into God's family. For these, God Himself becomes their ultimate "place of refuge"—a secure shelter, a sanctuary from danger, distress, and the schemes of evil. This promise highlights God's protective care not only for the righteous individual but also for their lineage, underscoring the enduring legacy of a life devoted to God.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 14:26 masterfully employs Synthetic Parallelism, a common feature in biblical wisdom literature, where the second line expands upon or completes the thought introduced in the first. The initial statement regarding "strong confidence" derived from the "fear of the LORD" is augmented by the subsequent promise of a "place of refuge" for "his children," thereby revealing the extended, generational blessings that flow from such a life. The verse also utilizes powerful Metaphor and Imagery by portraying God (implicitly) as a "place of refuge," a concrete image of shelter and safety in a dangerous and unpredictable world. This metaphor evokes a profound sense of security and divine protection that transcends mere physical safety, encompassing spiritual and emotional well-being. Furthermore, the phrase "strong confidence" can be interpreted as an instance of Personification, where an abstract quality (confidence) is imbued with the attribute of strength, emphasizing its robust, unwavering, and resilient nature.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Proverbs 14:26 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical truth that genuine security and lasting peace are found exclusively in a right relationship with God. It echoes the consistent scriptural teaching that God is the ultimate refuge and strength for His people, a theme deeply explored in the Psalms, where the Lord is frequently depicted as a rock, fortress, and deliverer. The verse underscores the covenantal faithfulness of God, who not only protects those who fear Him but also extends His benevolent care to their descendants. This highlights the profound impact of individual spiritual choices on future generations, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a godly legacy. The "fear of the LORD" is consistently portrayed throughout Scripture as the wellspring of wisdom, knowledge, and life, contrasting sharply with the fleeting and ultimately destructive "confidence" placed in worldly pursuits or self-reliance.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 14:26 offers profound practical wisdom for contemporary life, challenging us to critically re-evaluate the foundations of our security and confidence. In a world characterized by constant change, economic uncertainty, social unrest, and pervasive personal anxieties, where do we truly place our trust? This verse asserts that lasting, unshakeable security comes not from accumulating wealth, power, or human connections, but from cultivating a deep, reverential relationship with God. It calls us to embrace the "fear of the LORD"—not as a paralyzing dread, but as a liberating awe that leads to humble obedience and unwavering trust in His sovereign goodness. When we make God our ultimate refuge, we discover a profound inner peace that transcends chaotic circumstances and provides stability in every season of life. Furthermore, the promise of refuge for "his children" serves as a powerful reminder of our spiritual legacy. Our personal walk with God has profound generational implications, providing a spiritual inheritance of divine protection and blessing for our families and future descendants. It encourages us to live lives of integrity and faith, knowing that our devotion to God can create a haven of security for those who come after us, guiding them towards the ultimate source of refuge and blessing.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "the fear of the LORD" truly mean in this context?
In biblical wisdom literature, "the fear of the LORD" (Hebrew: yirʼâh YHWH) does not imply being terrified of God. Instead, it signifies a profound, reverential awe, deep respect, and humble submission to God's authority, holiness, and majesty. It is an understanding of His supreme power and goodness that leads to a desire to obey His commands and live in alignment with His will. This kind of fear is consistently presented as the "beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10) and the foundational principle for a truly secure and fulfilling life. It implies a deep trust and devotion, recognizing God as the ultimate source of all good.
How is "strong confidence" different from arrogance or self-reliance?
"Strong confidence" (Hebrew: mibṭâch ʻôz) in Proverbs 14:26 is fundamentally distinct from human arrogance or self-reliance. Arrogance is rooted in an inflated view of one's own abilities or possessions, leading to pride and a disregard for God. Self-reliance places trust solely in human effort or worldly resources. In contrast, the "strong confidence" described here is a divinely-given assurance that flows directly from a reverent relationship with the LORD. It is a humble, unwavering trust in God's character, power, and faithfulness, knowing that He is sovereign and will provide refuge and strength. This confidence is not in oneself, but in God alone, allowing for profound peace and stability even in the face of adversity, as seen in Psalm 112:7.
Who are "his children" promised a place of refuge?
"His children" (Hebrew: bên) refers to the descendants or offspring of those who live in the fear of the LORD. In the broader biblical context, it primarily refers to literal children and future generations. The promise highlights the intergenerational blessing that flows from a parent's or ancestor's righteous walk with God. It implies that God's protective care extends beyond the individual believer to their lineage, providing a spiritual inheritance of divine protection and security. This is consistent with God's covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants, where faithfulness was often met with blessings that extended through generations (Genesis 12:1-3).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 14:26 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of perfect "fear of the LORD," living a life of absolute reverence and obedience to His Father, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). In Christ, we find the "strong confidence" that the proverb speaks of, not through our own merit or effort, but through His finished work on the cross. He is our unwavering assurance and the solid rock upon which our faith is built (1 Corinthians 10:4). Furthermore, through faith in Jesus, we are adopted into God's family, becoming "his children" (John 1:12), no longer by natural descent but by spiritual rebirth. As God's children, Christ Himself becomes our ultimate "place of refuge." He is our shelter from the storms of sin, judgment, and eternal death, offering an eternal sanctuary that no earthly danger or spiritual adversary can breach (Hebrews 6:18-19). In Him, we have true peace, unshakable security, and a living hope that anchors our souls, knowing that neither life nor death, nor anything else in all creation, can separate us from the boundless love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).