The Dare by the Fence
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
Proverbs 29:25 KJV
This is an original fictional illustration, not a historical report or an added Bible event.
Some children dared Toby to climb a high fence. He did not want to do it, but he wanted them to think he was brave.
Toby stepped away and went to the playground helper. A few children laughed. He still felt embarrassed, but he had made a safe choice instead of letting the dare decide for him.
Proverbs says that fear of people can become a trap. Wanting someone to like us can pull us toward a wrong or dangerous choice. Trusting God helps us care more about what is right than about a dare.
You can say no and get help, even when others laugh.
For the grown-up reading along
Fear of man can trap a person into disobedience. Trust in the LORD offers a different foundation. The proverb is not a promise that obedient people will never face opposition or physical danger.
Read the KJV passage aloud. Explain unfamiliar words in ordinary language without changing the quotation.
Read further: Proverbs 29 in the King James Bible.