Proverbs 14:26 kjv

In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

Proverbs 14:26 nkjv

In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge.

Proverbs 14:26 niv

Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.

Proverbs 14:26 esv

In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.

Proverbs 14:26 nlt

Those who fear the LORD are secure;
he will be a refuge for their children.

Proverbs 14 verses

Proverbs 14 26 Meaning

Proverbs 14:26 declares that deep reverence and awe for the Lord lead to unshakeable inner security and strong trust. This divine connection provides a solid foundation of confidence for the individual. Furthermore, the blessed outcome extends beyond the believer, ensuring a safe haven and protection for their children and future generations.

Proverbs 14 26 Context

Proverbs 14 is part of a larger collection of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 10:1-22:16), which primarily contrasts the paths of the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. This chapter, like many others, uses binary comparisons to highlight the benefits of wisdom (rooted in the fear of the Lord) and the destructive consequences of folly. Verse 26, specifically, falls within a section that emphasizes the tangible benefits of a life lived in accordance with divine wisdom. It directly precedes proverbs on national prosperity linked to leadership (v. 28) and the dangers of quick temper (v. 29). The verse addresses the individual and then extends the principle to the family unit, reflecting the ancient Israelite understanding of communal and generational blessing. Culturally, in a world often unstable and precarious, concepts like "strong confidence" and "refuge" held immense practical significance, speaking to existential needs for safety and security.

Proverbs 14 26 Word analysis

• "In the fear of the Lord" (בְּיִרְאַ֣ת יְהוָ֣ה - bĕ-yir'aṯ YHVH):

  • בְּ (bĕ-): A preposition meaning "in" or "with," indicating the sphere or means by which the following is achieved.
  • יִרְאַת (yir'aṯ): The construct form of yir'ah (יראה), meaning "fear," "reverence," "awe," "respect," or "piety." In biblical wisdom literature, this "fear" is not a terror of God, but a profound and reverential acknowledgment of His holiness, omnipotence, and justice, leading to humble submission and obedience. It is the beginning of wisdom, the root of all right living, and the proper response to who God is.
  • יְהוָ֣ה (YHVH): The personal, covenantal name of God, revealing His self-existent, faithful nature. It signifies the relational aspect of fearing God—fearing the One who is personal and in covenant with His people.
  • Significance: This phrase identifies the foundational principle from which all true security and blessing flows. It implies a lifestyle marked by reverent devotion to God and adherence to His commands.

• "one has strong confidence" (עֹ֥ז מִבְטָ֑ח - ʿōz mivṭāḥ):

  • עֹ֥ז (ʿōz): "Strength," "might," "power," "security," or "fortress." It describes something firm and resilient. Here, it intensifies the "confidence."
  • מִבְטָ֑ח (mivṭāḥ): "Confidence," "trust," "security," "reliance," "hope," or "boldness." It is derived from the root bāṭaḥ (בטח), meaning "to trust," "feel secure," "rely upon."
  • Significance: This describes the profound internal and spiritual security experienced by one who fears God. It is an assurance that comes from aligning one's life with divine wisdom and trusting in God's character and promises, regardless of external circumstances. This confidence is not fleeting or based on self-effort but is solid and enduring.

• "and for his children" (וְ֝לִבְנָ֗יו - wĕ-livnāw):

  • וְ (wĕ-): The conjunction "and," connecting the two clauses.
  • לִ (li-): The preposition "for" or "to," indicating benefit or relation.
  • בְנָ֗יו (bĕnāw): "His sons," "his children," or "his offspring." The plural includes both male and female descendants, referring to the subsequent generation.
  • Significance: This highlights the generational nature of the blessing. The fear of the Lord by the parent does not solely benefit the individual but extends a protective, beneficial legacy to their descendants, emphasizing God's faithfulness across generations.

• "there will be a refuge" (מַחְסֶֽה׃ - maḥsēh):

  • מַחְסֶֽה (maḥsēh): "Refuge," "shelter," "hiding place," "stronghold," or "protection." This noun frequently refers to God Himself as a safe haven from danger and adversity (e.g., Ps 91:2).
  • Significance: The active and consistent "fear of the Lord" creates a spiritual, and often practical, environment of safety and protection for the children. This refuge protects them from spiritual dangers, moral decay, and potentially from the physical hardships of a chaotic world. It signifies that the righteous lineage is under God's watchful care.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence": This phrase establishes the foundational source of inner fortitude. It declares that genuine and profound reverence for God is the wellspring of an unwavering sense of security and trust, distinguishing it from fleeting human bravado or material possessions. It points to a divine-human relationship as the ultimate provider of internal strength.

• "and for his children there will be a refuge": This part expands the blessing to the next generation. The parent's faithful walk with God establishes a protective sphere or legacy of safety for their descendants. This refuge is a direct result of the parent's commitment to God, implying not just physical safety, but a spiritual and moral shielding for their offspring, consistent with God's covenant promises to those who fear Him and keep His commands.

Proverbs 14 26 Bonus section

The "fear of the Lord" in this verse should be understood as an active principle, not a passive state. It signifies a continuous, intentional reverence and obedience that shapes daily decisions, family values, and the moral climate of the home. This implies that the refuge for children isn't automatic merely by virtue of parentage, but by the ongoing commitment of the parent(s) to live out this reverence. Furthermore, this verse highlights the concept of legacy in the biblical sense—not just material inheritance, but the transmission of spiritual truth, godly character, and the protective covering of God's blessing to future generations. This challenges believers to consider the long-term impact of their walk with God on their family's well-being and eternal destiny.

Proverbs 14 26 Commentary

Proverbs 14:26 articulates a powerful truth: true security and a lasting legacy are anchored in the "fear of the Lord." This isn't about cowering in terror, but rather cultivating a profound, respectful awe of God, which compels one to live in humble obedience to His will. Such a life yields a dual blessing: a deep, unshakeable confidence within the individual and a verifiable refuge for their children. The "strong confidence" refers to an inner fortitude that stems from knowing God is sovereign and trustworthy. It transcends external circumstances, providing stability amidst life's storms. This security is not based on human strength or fleeting fortune, but on the enduring character of God. The second part, "for his children there will be a refuge," underscores God's covenant faithfulness, showing that the parents' piety impacts their descendants. This refuge implies both spiritual protection, as children raised in such an environment are more likely to seek God themselves, and often practical provision, as parents living wisely create a more stable home and life. The verse is a profound encouragement for intergenerational faithfulness, showing that righteous living extends its benefits far beyond the immediate individual, echoing God's promises to bless future generations of those who follow Him.