22-23 A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression. One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honour. 24 The partner of a thief hates his own life; he hears the curse, but discloses nothing. 25 The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. 26 Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the Lord that a man gets justice. 27 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked. Proverbs 29:22-27 English Standard Version

In verse 25 of today's reading the writer uses the picture of a snare to describe what it is that traps some people in a dangerous situation. What does he say is one of life's big snares?

He says it’s when people fear man, rather than putting their trust in God. This fear of man can take various forms. It may be fearing their strength and power which leads to obeying them in doing things that are wrong. This might be the reason why the accomplice of a thief in vs 24 chooses to cover up the crimes rather than expose them. He’s more afraid of what the thief may do to him than what God's justice will eventually bring.

But it could also be the fear of what other people may think of us that keeps some from doing what is right. And there will also be times and places when becoming a Christian can be a dangerous step to take. But what did the writer say of those who put their trust in God?

They are ultimately safe. The final victory, even through death, will be theirs. That's what gave courage to three men facing the threat of being thrown into a blazing fiery furnace. In Daniel 3:17-18 we read how they said to their persecutor: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”

What are two more snares which verses 22-23 warn us to be careful to avoid?

The first is that of uncontrolled anger. If we allow our temper to flare it inevitably leads to strife and sin. The other snare, closely linked to anger, is that of pride. A person's pride makes them want to be above every one else and win every argument even if they are in the wrong. But it leads to their downfall as others recognize their shallowness. It's the person who demonstrates real humility that others begin to appreciate, and whose company they seek. Today's verses are something we need to remind ourselves of. We must trust God more than we fear people. What is one important way we can apply this truth? (vs 26)

I think the answer is well expressed in Psalm 146. The writer there says: “Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth and all their plans die with them. But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever. He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down.” (Psalm 146:3-8)

Fear of man, or trust in the Lord? Two different options. One way becomes a snare, the other leads to God's ongoing care. Verse 27 describes how the lifestyles that result from the options taken will be seen by the other side. God fearing people despise wickedness, ungodly people despise righteousness. The bigger difference, however, that the gospel has made, is that while the wicked often seek to bring the righteous to fear, the righteous pray, and long to bring the wicked to faith.