Fear of God vs. Fear of Man: Choosing Faith Over Approval

The Bible often contrasts two types of fear: fear of God vs. fear of man. For Catholics, the distinction is crucial. The fear of God signifies reverence, love, and submission to His will. In contrast, the fear of man points to an anxious concern for human opinion and approval. Understanding this difference transforms how we live our faith, make decisions, and pursue holiness.

In this article, we’ll explore what it means to “fear God, not man” by diving into Scripture and Catholic teaching. Living out this principle means grounding our lives in trust and reverence for God, rather than in the shifting standards of human opinion.

What Does It Mean to Fear God?

The term “fear of God” can be misleading in today’s culture. The fear that Scripture describes doesn’t imply terror or anxiety; instead, it refers to awe, reverence, and profound respect for God. Proverbs 9:10 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” highlighting that wisdom starts with acknowledging God’s majesty and authority.

Catholic teaching often speaks of this fear as “filial fear,” or a child’s respectful love for a parent. It’s a deep desire to honor God and not disappoint Him, as seen in the lives of the saints. St. Thomas Aquinas clarifies that this fear draws us closer to God, guiding us to align our lives with His will and avoid sin out of love, not dread.

The Dangers of the Fear of Man

The fear of man, however, is entirely different. The Bible warns against it, with Proverbs 29:25 saying, “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.” This type of fear roots itself in pride, insecurity, or a need for approval. It often leads us away from God’s will because we prioritize human opinions over divine truth.

In practical terms, fearing man can result in compromise, reluctance to share our faith, or even abandoning moral beliefs to “fit in.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that our dignity comes from being God’s children, not from the world’s opinions (CCC 1700). When we give in to the fear of man, we stray from this dignity, allowing temporary approval to overshadow eternal truth.

Scripture and Saints: Choosing the Fear of God

Scripture provides countless examples of individuals who chose the fear of God over the fear of man. One powerful example is the prophet Daniel, who refused to worship the king’s idols, even under threat of death. Daniel’s reverence for God gave him the courage to remain faithful, regardless of consequences (Daniel 6). His story teaches us that true reverence for God empowers us to face trials with faith and integrity:

Similarly, the apostles demonstrated profound fear of God when they defied the religious leaders who ordered them to stop preaching. In Acts 5:29, Peter declares, “We must obey God rather than men,” emphasizing that God’s commands outweigh human orders. The apostles’ courage set the standard for Christians facing persecution and opposition.

Saints, too, lived by this principle. St. Thomas More famously chose martyrdom over renouncing his faith. His words, “I am the king’s good servant, but God’s first,” highlight the importance of fearing God above man. Such examples inspire us to live faithfully, even when it means standing alone.

Fear of God as Foundation for Courage

The fear of God strengthens our resolve, freeing us from needing approval or validation from others. In fact, fearing God builds courage. When we stand before God, secure in His love, we can face challenges and criticism confidently. This courage isn’t arrogance but a humble strength that comes from knowing who we are in God’s eyes.

St. Paul reflects this when he says in Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” This verse emphasizes that fearing God means seeing Him as our ultimate authority and protector. The world’s criticism fades in the light of God’s eternal promise. Fear of God enables us to be witnesses, living out our faith despite societal pressure.

Practical Steps to Fear God More Than Man

Living out the fear of God daily can be challenging. Here are some ways to practice it in our modern world:

• Frequent Confession: Regular confession helps us recognize our need for God’s mercy and stay humble.
• Daily Examination of Conscience: Reflecting daily on our actions keeps us mindful of God’s will.
• Prayer and Fasting: These practices purify the soul and help align us more closely with God.
• Study of the Saints: The saints, such as St. Thomas More and St. Joan of Arc, inspire us to live for God, even under persecution.
• Meditation on the Four Last Things: Reflecting on death, judgment, heaven, and hell helps cultivate reverence and guide our life choices

Embracing Trust in God

The fear of God ultimately leads to trust. By prioritizing God over human opinion, we deepen our relationship with Him. This trust allows us to live more freely and joyfully, knowing that our worth is rooted in God’s love, not in the approval of others.

St. Teresa of Ávila taught that when we trust God, we lose our fear of suffering or hardship. In her words, “Let nothing disturb you… God alone suffices.” Trust grows as we place God at the center, surrendering our anxieties and remembering that He has the final say in all things.

The Freedom of Fearing God

In fearing God, we discover true freedom. Fear of man keeps us in chains, forcing us to seek approval constantly. But the fear of God liberates us. It allows us to say “yes” to God and “no” to sin, regardless of popularity.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus addresses this freedom, saying, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). Here, Jesus clarifies that fearing God means valuing eternal life over earthly concerns. This perspective brings peace, strength, and direction.

Conclusion: Trust in God’s Love

Choosing to fear God over man transforms our spiritual lives, allowing us to live with purpose and integrity. Fearing God doesn’t mean living in dread, but rather, it means responding to His love with reverence and obedience. By rejecting the fear of man, we place ourselves firmly in God’s hands, ready to serve and witness to His truth.

When we fear God, we find the courage to stand for what’s right, regardless of the world’s opinion. As Catholics, this call is central to our faith journey. Let us pray for the strength to live out our faith boldly, always seeking to honor God above all else. Through this reverent fear, we align ourselves more closely with Christ, who faced persecution and sacrifice, showing us the path to true peace and joy in God’s love.

Jesus, I Trust in You. ❤️

1. There is No Fear in Love – Catholic Answers
2. “Fear of the Lord” is a Beautiful Thing – Catholic Answers
3. What if Fear of Hell is the Only Reason I Believe? – Jimmy Akin