No Fear

Scripture: Proverbs 3:21-26

Song: There Stands A Rock

No Fear. I see that logo everywhere. Especially on the automobiles and t-shirts and ball caps of young people. I detest it. It seems arrogant to me. It depicts a life of frivolity, an attitude of carelessness, a foolish daredevil posture toward life and toward authority.

The wise man describes the only life that is without fear. It is a life of wisdom and discretion. Wisdom consists of information about what is right and just to do and about what is to be avoided. Discretion equips a man with the ability to discern that what is permissible is not always practical, that what is lawful is not always expedient. This pair of virtues provides a twin-edged sword for cutting to the heart of difficult decisions.

Observe the foes that wisdom and discretion will conquer. Fear of falling—“your foot will not stumble.” Fear of conscience—“your sleep will be sweet.” Fear of financial disaster—“do not be afraid of sudden terror.” Fear of enemies—“do not be afraid of trouble from the wicked.”

Trouble is a guarantee for life under the sun. The wise man admits this in our reading. He says, “Do not be afraid of trouble… when it comes.” Trouble, with a capital T, will come your way. But wisdom and discretion will prevent you from being the source of it, will help you to provide a solution to it, and give you a way to navigate through it with no reason to fear it for “the Lord will be your confidence.”

Jason Moore