A Proverbial Paradox

The book of Proverbs is one of the most intensely practical parts of Holy Scripture. Its wisdom has guided countless generations of individuals determined to live life God’s way. Addressing wide-ranging topics from child rearing to business ethics to the nature of true friendship, Proverbs provides direction that we all need.

Proverbs 28 contains a statement that is something of a conundrum: “How blessed is the man who fears always.” Now fear is not something most of us view in a positive way. Yes, we teach our children to fear hot stoves and the traffic whizzing by in front of the house. But for the most part, we emphasize courage, optimism, and confidence rather than fear. We suggest that heroes repress their fears and act with boldness and valor.

So how can the Bible extol the blessedness, or happiness, of one who fears all the time? The answer lies in the focus of that fear. The next phrase in Proverbs provides a telling contrast: “But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.” Fear that produces blessings is directed toward one’s own heart.

In contrast to the one who brazenly plunges ahead, ignoring the potential for evil inherent within, the blessed man constantly fears his own proclivity to sin. The Bible expresses this axiom elsewhere in other words: “Let him who thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall.” The one who is consciously aware of the possibility of falling is the one most likely to remain standing.

History is littered with fallen heroes, including some of the greatest saints of Scripture, who failed to take seriously their own weaknesses. As one observer expresses it, “Fear keeps the heart tender, and the soul safe.” Only those deluded with an overestimation of their own perfection fail to fear their potential to fall. No one is so grounded in saving grace that he is free to let down his guard.