Proverbs 3:25 kjv

Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

Proverbs 3:25 nkjv

Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;

Proverbs 3:25 niv

Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,

Proverbs 3:25 esv

Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes,

Proverbs 3:25 nlt

You need not be afraid of sudden disaster
or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,

Proverbs 3 verses

Proverbs 3 25 Meaning

Proverbs 3:25 is an exhortation from the father to the son, instructing him not to succumb to fear or panic when facing unforeseen dangers or when observing the destructive consequences that inevitably befall the wicked. It emphasizes a divine promise of security for those who walk in the path of wisdom and trust in the Lord, ensuring they are shielded from the overwhelming terror that often accompanies sudden calamities and the ultimate ruin destined for the unrighteous.

Proverbs 3 25 Context

Proverbs chapter 3 begins by admonishing the reader to keep God's commands (vv. 1-4), to trust in the Lord with all their heart rather than their own understanding (vv. 5-6), and to humbly acknowledge Him in all ways (v. 6). This leads to health and strength (v. 8). The chapter proceeds to commend honoring the Lord with one's wealth (vv. 9-10) and accepting divine discipline (vv. 11-12). The main body then extols the surpassing value and blessing of Wisdom (personified), describing her as bringing happiness, long life, riches, honor, peace, and security (vv. 13-26).

Verse 25 specifically fits into the segment illustrating the blessings of those who possess and follow wisdom (vv. 21-26). It outlines the sense of peace and security that comes from truly trusting the Lord. The surrounding verses mention safety from stumbling (v. 23), restful sleep (v. 24), and ultimately, protection from unexpected calamities, including those that destroy the wicked, because "the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught" (v. 26). This teaching assumes a worldview where the Lord is sovereign over events and righteous living results in His protective favor, distinguishing the faithful from those destined for destruction. Culturally, the constant threat of sudden raids, famine, pestilence, and inter-tribal conflict made personal security a paramount concern, and the verse offers a divine answer to such anxieties, counteracting reliance on human strength, charms, or alliances which were common for security in the ancient Near East.

Proverbs 3 25 Word analysis

• Be not afraid (אַל־תִּירָא, al-tiyra): This is a strong prohibitive command, indicating a choice to resist giving in to fear. It implies a volitional act. The Hebrew term signifies a deep dread or terror, emphasizing the magnitude of the fear to be avoided. It contrasts with the reverential "fear of the Lord" advocated earlier in Proverbs 3, suggesting that the true fear of God displaces paralyzing fear of earthly dangers.

• of sudden terror (מִפַּחַד פִּתְאֹם, mifachad pit'om):

  • terror (פַּחַד, pachad): Denotes extreme fear, dread, panic, often an overwhelming and uncontrollable sense of fright. It can refer to the cause of fear or the emotion itself. It implies a situation that evokes intense anxiety.
  • sudden (פִּתְאֹם, pit'om): This adverb conveys unexpectedness and abruptness. The shock factor of something happening without warning often amplifies fear. The instruction is against being overwhelmed precisely by such an unforeseen and intense frightening event.

• neither of the desolation (וּמִשֹּׁאַת, umishsho'at):

  • desolation (שֹׁאָה, sho'ah): Signifies utter ruin, devastation, destruction, or catastrophe. This is a powerful word indicating a complete collapse or calamitous event. It suggests an extensive and possibly irreversible undoing. The implication is that righteous individuals should not fear the kind of comprehensive disaster that consumes the unrighteous.

• of the wicked (רְשָׁעִים, r'sha'im): Plural for "wicked ones" or "those who are morally corrupt." These are individuals characterized by rebellion against God's law, injustice, and harmful actions. The text connects "desolation" directly to this group, implying their downfall is a just consequence of their way of life.

• when it comes (כִּי־תָבֹא, ki-tavo): Literally, "for it comes" or "when it comes." The particle "ki" can indicate "when" or "because." It suggests the certainty or inevitability of this desolation arriving for the wicked. The righteous, however, need not fear this coming ruin, because it is specifically linked to the wicked and not to them.

Words-group analysis

• Be not afraid of sudden terror: This phrase highlights the importance of inner composure and spiritual fortitude in the face of unexpected, shocking events. It's a call to proactive trust rather than reactive panic. The implication is that genuine wisdom equips one with a divine inner calm.
• neither of the desolation of the wicked: This part contrasts the destiny of the wicked with that of the righteous. It distinguishes between the judgment that will surely befall those who disregard God, and the peace promised to the wise. The believer is exempt from the "desolation" (comprehensive ruin) intended for the wicked.
• when it comes: This short concluding phrase asserts the certainty and timeliness of this "desolation" upon the wicked. It emphasizes the unchangeable nature of divine justice and consequence, providing assurance that the path of the wicked ends in ruin, while the path of the wise is protected.

Proverbs 3 25 Bonus section

The injunction "Be not afraid" echoes throughout the entire Scripture, forming a common theme tied to God's presence and covenant faithfulness. Here, it is specifically linked to the benefits of wisdom described throughout Proverbs, presenting wisdom as a practical means to attain this state of fearlessness. The fear addressed here is a destructive, debilitating emotion, contrasting starkly with the "fear of the Lord" (Proverbs 3:7) which is reverential awe, the beginning of wisdom, and itself a source of security. Thus, by properly "fearing" God, one is equipped not to fear anything else that might typically instill panic. This verse powerfully illustrates that true security comes from a spiritual alignment rather than from external circumstances or human defenses. It’s an inward fortification against outward threats.

Proverbs 3 25 Commentary

Proverbs 3:25 is a profound assurance to those who have embraced divine wisdom and placed their trust in the Lord. It liberates the heart from the tyranny of unforeseen events and the spectacle of impending judgment on the ungodly. The instruction "Be not afraid" is not a command to be mindless of danger, but to maintain a quiet confidence and inner stability. This peace is not natural but supernatural, a byproduct of resting fully in God's protective hand, as underscored by verse 26: "For the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught."

The "sudden terror" encompasses unexpected dangers or shocking news that can paralyze or derail individuals. The "desolation of the wicked" points to the just and often catastrophic judgment that ultimately overtakes those who oppose God and pursue evil. The verse declares that these realities, while real, should not disturb the faithful. The wise individual, aligned with God's will and protected by His grace, can look upon these events with equanimity. It reinforces a fundamental biblical principle: there is a clear distinction in destiny between the righteous and the wicked, and God is the faithful keeper of the former and the just judge of the latter.

This wisdom allows a believer to live without the nagging anxieties common to human experience, transforming fear into steadfast trust. For instance, when financial markets suddenly crash, or an unexpected personal crisis strikes, a believer holds a different perspective than someone without such faith. Or, when a society seems to crumble due to moral decay and justice seems far, the believer knows the ultimate "desolation of the wicked" is assured. It implies an understanding that even if hardships come, they are not the same "desolation" meant for the unrighteous, because God is their ultimate security.