Proverbs 14:26
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In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
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The strongest men and women on earth are those who fear the LORD, and they always have protection and peace in Him. They serve the LORD Jehovah, and they know He is always with them. They can and will do exploits, for they fear no duty, no man, or even death itself. They are in constant peace, for they trust in everlasting strength.
Weak men, who neither face nor fulfill their duties, who are intimidated by challenges, who cannot rule their own spirits, and who are waylaid by minor obstacles, show their trust is in themselves. They cannot even manage their families, for the patient application of godly leadership in this simple role is too much for their fearful souls.
Saul, though over seven feet tall and very gifted physically (I Sam 9:1-2), was afraid of public recognition, so he hid among the stuff (I Sam 10:17-26). When Goliath challenged Israel, he hid in his tent and bribed others (I Sam 17:1-11,25-30); and when Israel sang David's praises, he tried to kill him out of fearful envy (I Sam 18:6-11).
On the other hand, David, though a young shepherd boy, did not understand the fear of Goliath (I Sam 17:23-30). Rejecting armor, he ran to meet the giant with fearless courage (I Sam 17:38-48). Later, when given two opportunities to kill his adversary and take the throne, he left his future in God's hands. And though troubled on every side more than any man, he wrote of peace and security in the Lord like no other.
Our proverb has a pronoun in the second clause. Some see the pronoun "his" standing for a man who fears the LORD, implied from the first clause. But we understand it to mean the LORD Himself. His children, God's children, who trust in Him, have a place of refuge. The lesson is not for the children of the righteous, but for the righteous himself. We take the most direct and simplest interpretation, for there is no guarantee the children of the righteous will fear the Lord. Consider David in this light.
Fear and confidence are usually considered opposites. But the fear of the LORD, trust and obedience in Him, is the source of confidence in facing the uncertainties of life in this world. Those who know their God will be strong and do exploits (Dan 11:30), and they will be kept in perfect peace (Is 26:3-4). Reader, take hold of this!
What fear can shake the man who leans on Jesus for repose (3:25-26)? With the angel of the Lord camping nearby, he shall always be delivered (Ps 34:7-11). With his confidence in the Lord, his heart is fixed and established (Ps 112:6-8). The fear of man brings faintness, but the fear of God fills us with boldness (Heb 13:5-6).
The three Hebrew men in Babylon feared the LORD, but not the king (Dan 3:16-18). But who was more courageous than our beloved brother Paul? He faced the hatred of Jews and Gentiles without fear. When warned by God of impending danger in Jerusalem, he said, "None of these things move me" (Acts 20:20-22). And space limits us from writing of that innumerable company of martyrs, who followed him in strong confidence.
Dear reader, you can have the pure conscience that emboldens (28:1), and you can have the strong confidence that only a righteous few have ever obtained. And in the time of trouble, you can escape to His pavilion, where He will protect you (Ps 27:5). Let Psalms 18, 27, and 46 strengthen your confidence in the LORD.
Paul was brave, but he could not match our beloved Lord, who endured the physical and spiritual horrors of the cross willingly, for the sins of His enemies. And where did He find His strong confidence? In the fear of the Lord (Heb 5:7-9)!
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