Fear is one of the most ancient emotions known to man. It affects people in every generation, culture, and stage of life. Fear of rejection, fear of pain, fear of death, fear of the unknown—these forms of fear rob men and women alike of peace, purpose, and power. But perhaps the most paralyzing fear in our modern world is the fear of man: fear of what others think, what others say, or what others might do. It is a silent force that shapes our choices, influences our beliefs, and ultimately restrains our faith.
The Bible, however, gives a clear and powerful response to this kind of fear: “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” (Psalm 118:6, KJV). This verse is not a call to arrogance or recklessness. Rather, it is a declaration of unshakable confidence in God—a confidence that renders human threats powerless in the face of divine sovereignty.
In this in-depth study titled KJV Fear Not What Man Can Do, we will explore the profound implications of this Scripture and other related passages. We’ll uncover the spiritual truth behind God’s repeated command to “fear not” and learn what it means to live boldly, courageously, and faithfully in a world filled with pressure and opposition.
This article is intended for every man and woman who has ever felt intimidated by the world around them—those longing for boldness, courage, and a deeper trust in God’s protection and plan. Whether you’re navigating leadership, standing for your faith, or simply seeking a deeper connection with your Creator, this teaching will ground your heart in eternal truth.
The Biblical Command to Fear Not
The command “fear not” appears more than 300 times in the Bible. From Abraham to Joshua, from Mary to Paul, God consistently reassures His people not to fear what others might do. This command is not a casual suggestion—it is a spiritual imperative. To fear God is wise. To fear man is bondage.
Proverbs 29:25 states, “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” (KJV). A snare traps an animal, restricting its movement and sealing its fate. In the same way, fearing man restricts spiritual movement. It silences our testimony, weakens our convictions, and causes us to conform rather than transform.
God calls His people to live above this fear. In Isaiah 51:12, God asks, “I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die?” (KJV). Here, we see divine logic—why should finite beings intimidate those who serve the infinite God?
Psalm 118:6 – The Heart of Fearless Faith
Psalm 118 is a psalm of victory, gratitude, and unshakable trust in God. Verse 6 stands as one of its most quoted lines: “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” This question is rhetorical. The implied answer is: “nothing of eternal consequence.”
Man can wound, criticize, imprison, or even kill. But he cannot take the soul. He cannot thwart God’s will. He cannot undo the eternal promises made to those who belong to the Lord. When God is for us, no human opposition can succeed in the way they intend (Romans 8:31).
This is the boldness we see in the apostles. After being threatened by religious leaders, Peter and John responded, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29, KJV). Their fearlessness came from the assurance that no earthly consequence could outweigh eternal reward.
Examples of Fearlessness in the Bible
Scripture provides rich narratives of individuals who resisted fear of man by trusting in God:
Daniel: Though threatened with death, he continued to pray openly. His trust in God saved him from the lions.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: They defied the king’s command and were thrown into the fiery furnace—but God stood with them in the flames.
David: He faced Goliath with a sling and faith, declaring that the battle belonged to the Lord.
Paul: Despite beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonment, Paul preached boldly, never allowing fear of man to silence his message.
These stories aren’t just ancient tales—they are templates. They teach us that courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to trust God in the midst of it.
Fear of Man in Today’s World
Today, the fear of man manifests differently. It’s the pressure to compromise biblical values for social acceptance. It’s the silence that follows when truth needs to be spoken. It’s the anxiety of losing status, income, or relationships for standing firm in faith.
Social media, workplace dynamics, and cultural movements often threaten those who hold to biblical truth. Yet Jesus reminded His disciples: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul…” (Matthew 10:28, KJV).
Modern believers need the same resilience the early church had. We are not called to be culturally comfortable—we are called to be spiritually courageous.
How to Overcome the Fear of Man
Victory over fear is possible through God’s power. Here are several biblical strategies for overcoming the fear of man:
Know God Intimately: The more you know God’s character, the less intimidating people become. (Proverbs 1:7)
Anchor in Scripture: Memorizing verses like Psalm 118:6 and Isaiah 41:10 builds inner strength.
Pray for Boldness: Ask the Holy Spirit for courage, just as the early believers did in Acts 4:29.
Focus on Eternity: Remember that eternal reward outweighs temporary pain.
Surround Yourself with the Faithful: Community strengthens resolve. Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17).
Men and the Call to Courage
Men, in particular, are called to lead, protect, and uphold righteousness. Fear of man weakens this calling. A man who fears God alone is unshakable. He becomes a better husband, father, worker, and disciple. He stands firm in storms and leads others with wisdom and integrity.
Resources like the Men Devotional offer daily encouragement for men striving to live fearlessly and faithfully. These tools help strengthen spiritual muscles through consistent exposure to God’s Word and truth.
Jesus Christ: The Ultimate Example
No one modeled fearless obedience better than Jesus Christ. He stood before religious leaders, political authorities, and hostile crowds, always speaking the truth in love. Even facing crucifixion, He submitted to God’s will, not fearing what man could do.
In Him, we find the perfect picture of courage. Hebrews 12:2 urges us to look “unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (KJV), who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. That same joy awaits all who walk in fearless obedience today.
Conclusion
The message of “KJV Fear Not What Man Can Do” is timeless and necessary. In every generation, God’s people have been called to stand firm, speak truth, and live boldly. Fear of man is natural—but faith in God is supernatural.
We are not alone. The Lord is on our side. He is our shield, our helper, and our defender. When we anchor our identity and security in Him, the opinions and threats of others lose their power.
Let Psalm 118:6 be more than a verse—let it be a declaration of your life. Say it aloud. Live it boldly. Teach it to others. And above all, trust that when God is for you, no man can stand against you.
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