Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 14:26, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
American Standard Version
In the fear of Jehovah is strong confidence; And his children shall have a place of refuge.
World English Bible version
In the fear of Yahweh is a secure fortress, and he will be a refuge for his children.
Proverbs 14:26 Meaning & Commentary
In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. Proverbs 14:26 (ESV)
We see “the fear of the Lord” spoken of in various passages of scripture, including the book of Proverbs. We are taught that the fear of the Lord causes us to turn away from evil: Proverbs 3:7-8 – Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Sin can damage our confidence and standing before God. This is why The Bible encourages us to approach God with boldness: Hebrews 4:16 – Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. When The Bible encourages or challenges us to do something, that typically means we will naturally gravitate towards the opposite. When we struggle with sin, we tend to want to isolate ourselves and “hide” from God.
This is what Adam did in the garden of Eden after he sinned – he did from God because he felt shame. Sin damaged his relationship with God and damaged his conscience and confidence. Jesus is our model for right living, and he claimed that he was completely free from all influence of evil and the devil: John 14:30 – I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me.
The fear of the Lord causes us to turn away from sin, turn to God, and live our lives in a way that is pleasing to Him. This then has a ripple or knock-on effect on our children, and we leave them a godly inheritance. This is why the second part of Proverbs 14:26 says that “his children will have a refuge.” Righteous and godly living not only impacts our lives, but our children are benefactors of it as well!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 14:26 to our lives?
Any good parent wants to leave a good inheritance for the children. Most think of this in financial terms. However, it is much more than just that. Money left without godly principles and righteous living can destroy someone and do more harm than good.
Instead, we are to pursue “the fear of the Lord,” which carries strong confidence and provides a refuge for our children. To fear the Lord is not terror but rather a reverent fear and awe of who God is. This is something we can pray to God and ask for Him to develop in our lives, but more than that – this is a lifestyle we need to cultivate. As we seek to know God and begin to see Him as He is, the fear of the Lord will be developed in our lives. We cannot truly know God and remain the same.
Moses prayed and asked God to show him His ways: Exodus 33:13 – Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people. Moses wanted to see God’s ways so he could know God more intimately. This is the road to the fear of the Lord – being in awe of God and seeking to understand His ways and know Him more.
We cultivate this heart attitude by seeking God’s face. We need to prioritize His presence, study His Word – which reveals His way, and be obedient to His Word and the promptings of The Holy Spirit. Additionally, as Moses did – we should not be afraid to pray and ask God to show us His ways, know Him more, and for the fear of the Lord to burn brightly in our lives. When we do this, He will surely answer our prayers, and we will turn away from evil, and our children will be blessed and favored because of the life we live!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come to you today in Jesus’ name, and I ask that you increase the fear of the Lord in my life. Help me draw closer to you than before.
As Moses prayed, so I also pray and ask that you show me your ways that I may know you. Help me to chase after the fear of the Lord all the days of my life, and in doing so – turn away from all sin. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
