The concept of being scared, or experiencing fear, is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. Fear can manifest in various forms, from the fear of God, which is often associated with reverence and awe, to the fear of circumstances or enemies, which can lead to distress and anxiety. The Bible addresses both types of fear, offering guidance and reassurance to believers.

Fear of God

The fear of God is a central theme in Scripture, often depicted as a positive and necessary aspect of faith. This type of fear is not about being scared in the traditional sense but is more about reverence, respect, and awe for the Almighty. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This fear is foundational for a righteous life, leading to wisdom and understanding.

Fear of Circumstances

In contrast, the Bible also addresses the fear of circumstances, which can lead to anxiety and distress. Throughout Scripture, God reassures His people not to be afraid. In Isaiah 41:10, God says, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." This verse highlights God's promise of presence and support, encouraging believers to trust in Him rather than succumb to fear.

Fear in the Psalms

The Psalms frequently express human emotions, including fear. Psalm 56:3-4 states, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Here, the psalmist acknowledges fear but chooses to trust in God, demonstrating faith as a remedy for fear.

Fear and Faith

The New Testament continues to address fear, often juxtaposing it with faith. In the Gospels, Jesus frequently tells His disciples not to be afraid. In Matthew 14:27, when the disciples are terrified upon seeing Jesus walking on water, He reassures them, "Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid." This command underscores the importance of faith in overcoming fear.

Fear of Persecution

Early Christians faced persecution, and the New Testament offers encouragement to those who were scared. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul writes, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control." This verse reminds believers that fear does not come from God, and they are equipped with the strength and love needed to face challenges.

Fear and Love

The apostle John addresses the relationship between fear and love in 1 John 4:18: "There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love." This passage suggests that understanding and experiencing God's perfect love can dispel fear, as love and fear are incompatible.

Conclusion

The Bible provides a comprehensive view of fear, distinguishing between the reverent fear of God and the fear of worldly circumstances. Through various passages, believers are encouraged to trust in God, rely on His promises, and find strength in His love to overcome fear.(imp. & p. p.) of Scare.

In Troubles --
... table. He had consulted none of these scared advisers, so that he might
not throw the responsibility upon their shivering backs. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter vi in troubles.htm

Life of Bunyan
... His days were often gloomy through forebodings of the wrath to come; and his nights
were scared with visions, which the boisterous diversions and adventures of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hamilton/life of bunyan/life of bunyan.htm

Symbolism of the Church Building
... Patrick is said by an old legend to have dispersed a host of demons, who were too
bold to be scared by the mere ringing of the bell, by flinging it into the ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/symbolism of the church building.htm

The Christian's Peace and the Christian's Consistency
... Ver.28. the truth of Christ; +and refusing to be+ (me) +scared out of that attitude
in anything by your+ (ton) +opponents+, the unconverted world around you. ...
/.../moule/philippian studies/chapter iv the christians peace.htm

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... of King Arthur; Mort d' Arthur. Young gentlemen, have a resolute life purpose.
Don't get mad and don't get scared."Burleson. I. THE CROSSING OF THE JORDAN. ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm

Here Then Shall These Persons in their Turn be in Another More ...
... should deign to bestow wings also, that the servants of God being found in other
men's fields should not be taken up as thieves, but as starlings be scared off ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 28 here then shall.htm

Always Tell the Truth
... The little fellow looked up dreadfully scared, and did his best to keep awake: but
I thought to myself, when he finds out what a wrong story his mother has told ...
/.../touching incidents and remarkable answers to prayer/always tell the truth.htm

The Big End of Trouble
... Our imagination pictures it as something terrible, and we worry and live in its
shadow for days and weeks, only to find at last that we have been scared by a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk forty-three the big end.htm

On the Words, Crucified and Buried.
... Many have been crucified throughout the world, but by none of these are the devils
scared; but when they see even the Sign of the Cross of Christ, who was ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xiii on the words.htm

Courageous Volunteers.
... Take a good look at them." And his followers looked, and as they looked some of
them began to get scared. They had not realized just what was involved. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/courageous volunteers.htm

Scared (6 Occurrences)
...Scared (6 Occurrences). Genesis 15:11 And the birds of prey came down on the carcases;
and Abram scared them away. (DBY). ... The men were very scared. (WEB). ...
/s/scared.htm - 8k

Dread (69 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 7:21 You shall not be scared of them; for Yahweh your God is
in the midst of you, a great and awesome God. (See NAS RSV). ...
/d/dread.htm - 26k

Tremble (92 Occurrences)
... them, "Hear, Israel, you draw near this day to battle against your enemies:
don't let your heart faint; don't be afraid, nor tremble, neither be scared of them ...
/t/tremble.htm - 34k

Forsake (88 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of good courage, don't be afraid, nor be scared of
them: for Yahweh your God, he it is who does go with you; he will not fail you ...
/f/forsake.htm - 34k

Officials (229 Occurrences)
... Genesis 20:8 Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and
told all these things in their ear. The men were very scared. (See NIV). ...
/o/officials.htm - 36k

Powerless (19 Occurrences)
... it be grown up. (DBY). Jeremiah 14:9 Why should you be like a scared man,
as a mighty man who can't save? Yet you, Yahweh, are in ...
/p/powerless.htm - 12k

Panic (22 Occurrences)
... them, "Hear, Israel, you draw near this day to battle against your enemies:
don't let your heart faint; don't be afraid, nor tremble, neither be scared of them ...
/p/panic.htm - 12k

Carcases (24 Occurrences)
... wilderness? (KJV DBY). Genesis 15:11 And the birds of prey came down on the
carcases; and Abram scared them away. (DBY WBS YLT). Leviticus ...
/c/carcases.htm - 14k

Confused (13 Occurrences)
... in judgment. (See JPS NAS RSV). Jeremiah 14:9 Why should you be like a scared
man, as a mighty man who can't save? Yet you, Yahweh ...
/c/confused.htm - 10k

Awesome (47 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 7:21 You shall not be scared of them; for Yahweh your God is
in the midst of you, a great and awesome God. (WEB NAS NIV). ...
/a/awesome.htm - 20k

How can I overcome the fear of death? How can I stop being scared of dying? | GotQuestions.org

Is there any reason to fear going into a cemetery / graveyard? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to have the fear of God? | GotQuestions.org

Scared: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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