He who fears the LORD
The phrase "fears the LORD" is central to the wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly in Proverbs. The Hebrew word for "fear" is "yirah," which encompasses reverence, awe, and respect. This fear is not about being afraid but about recognizing God's majesty and authority. In a conservative Christian perspective, fearing the LORD is foundational to a life of faith and obedience. It is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) and signifies a deep, abiding relationship with God, characterized by trust and submission to His will.

is secure in confidence
The Hebrew root for "secure" is "mibtach," which implies a sense of safety and assurance. This security is not based on human strength or understanding but on the steadfastness of God's character and promises. "Confidence" here is not self-confidence but a trust that is firmly placed in the LORD. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of God as a fortress and protector. For believers, this confidence is a spiritual assurance that transcends circumstances, rooted in the faithfulness of God.

and his children
The mention of "children" highlights the generational impact of a life lived in the fear of the LORD. In the Hebrew culture, family and lineage were of utmost importance. The righteous life of a parent, particularly one who fears the LORD, sets a spiritual legacy for their offspring. This reflects the biblical principle that the blessings of a godly life extend beyond the individual to their descendants, emphasizing the communal and familial nature of faith.

shall have a place of refuge
The term "refuge" in Hebrew is "machseh," which denotes a shelter or protection from danger. In the ancient world, cities of refuge were places where individuals could find safety from avengers. Spiritually, this refuge is found in God Himself, who provides protection and peace. For the children of those who fear the LORD, this promise of refuge is both physical and spiritual, offering a safe haven in the trials of life. It underscores the protective and providential care of God over His people, assuring them of His presence and security.

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with His people.

2. The Fear of the LORD
A reverential awe and respect for God, acknowledging His power, holiness, and authority.

3. The Righteous Man
The individual who fears the LORD and lives according to His commandments.

4. Children of the Righteous
The offspring of those who fear the LORD, who benefit from their parent's faith and obedience.

5. Place of Refuge
A metaphorical place of safety and protection provided by God for those who trust in Him.The Foundation of Security
The fear of the LORD is the foundation of true security. It is not merely an emotional response but a lifestyle of obedience and trust in God.

Generational Blessings
The righteous influence of a God-fearing parent extends to their children, providing them with spiritual and emotional refuge.

The Role of Reverence
Reverence for God leads to confidence. This confidence is not in oneself but in the steadfastness and faithfulness of God.

Building a Spiritual Legacy
Parents are encouraged to instill the fear of the LORD in their children, ensuring they have a spiritual refuge throughout their lives.

The Assurance of Protection
Trusting in God provides a refuge not only for the individual but also for their family, highlighting the communal aspect of faith.(26) His children.--Either, the children of the man who fears the Lord, as the blessing of Abraham (Genesis 17:7-8) and David (Jeremiah 33:20-21) descended to their children; or the pronoun may refer to God's children, i.e., those who look up to Him as a father, an expression which occurs in the Old Testament (e g., Psalm 73:15), but is brought forward more prominently in the New Testament.

Verse 26. - In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence. The fear of God casts out all fear of man, all despairing anticipations of possible evil, and makes the believer confident and bold. St. Gregory ('Moral.,' 5:33), "As in the way of the world fear gives rise to weakness, so in the way of God fear produces strength. In truth, our mind so much the more valorously sets at naught all the terrors of temporal vicissitudes, the more thoroughly that it submits itself in fear to the Author of those same temporal things. And being stablished in the fear of the Lord, it encounters nothing without it to fill it with alarm, in that whereas it is united to the Creator of all things by a righteous fear, it is by a certain powerful influence raised high above them all." Comp. Psalm 27:1 and St. Paul's words, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). Septuagint, "In the fear of the Lord is hope of strength." And his children shall have a place of refuge (Psalm 46:1). There is an ambiguity as to whose children are meant. The LXX. renders, "And to his children he will leave a support." Thus many refer the pronoun to the Lord named in the first clause - God's children, those who love and trust him, and look up to him as a Father, an expression used more specially in the New Testament than in the Old. But see Psalm 73:15, and passages (e.g. Hosea 11:1) where God calls Israel his son, a type of all who are brought unto him by adoption and grace. Others, again, refer the pronoun to "the fear of the Lord," "its children," which would be quite in conformity with Hebrew idiom; as we have "sons of wisdom," "children of obedience," equivalent to "wise," "obedient," etc. But most modern commentators explain it of the children of the God-fearing man, comparing Exodus 20:6 and Psalm 103:17. Such a one shall confer lasting benefits upon his posterity (ch. 13:22; 20:7). So God blessed the descendants of Abraham and David; so he shows mercy unto thousands i.e. the thousandth generation of them that love him and keep his commandments (see Genesis 17:7, etc.; Exodus 34:7; 1 Kings 11:12, etc.; Jeremiah 33:20, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


He who fears
בְּיִרְאַ֣ת (bə·yir·’aṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3374: Fear, reverence

the LORD
יְ֭הוָה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

is secure
עֹ֑ז (‘ōz)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5797: Strength, might

in confidence,
מִבְטַח־ (miḇ·ṭaḥ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4009: A refuge, security, assurance

and his children
וּ֝לְבָנָ֗יו (ū·lə·ḇā·nāw)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

shall have
יִהְיֶ֥ה (yih·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a place of refuge.
מַחְסֶֽה׃ (maḥ·seh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4268: Refuge, shelter


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of Yahweh (Prov. Pro Pr)