Proverbs 29:25 (BSB)

The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.

From Proverbs 29. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 29:25

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 29:25: Here, 1. We are cautioned not to dread the power of man, neither the power of a prince nor the power of the multitude; both are formidable enough, but the slavish fear of either brings a snare, that is, exposes men to many insults (some take a pride in terrifying the timorous), or rather exposes men to many temptations.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 29:25: The fear of man bringeth a snare,.... Either that which is subjectively in man; not a divine fear, or the fear of God, that grace which is put into the heart, for that leads to no snare, but tends to life; but a human fear, a servile one, a distrust of the power and providence, grace and goodness, of God, which has torment in it...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 29:25: The fear . . . snare--involves men in difficulty (compare Pro 29:6). shall be safe--(Compare Margin; Pro 18:10).
• Geneva Bible Notes (Reformed), Geneva Bible Study Notes on Proverbs 29:25: The fear of man bringeth a snare: but he who putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. (f) He who fears man more than God falls into a snare and is destroyed.