"The fear of man bringeth a snare." --- Proverbs 29:25.
"Be not conformed to this world." --- Romans 12:2.
"If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." --- 1 John 2:15.
How many people swell with pride and vanity, for such things as they would not know how to value at all, but that they are admired in the world! How fearful are many of having their houses poorly furnished, or themselves meanly clothed, for this only reason, lest the world should make no account of them, and place them amongst low and mean people. How often would a man have yielded to the haughtiness and ill-nature of others, and shown a submissive temper, but that he dares not pass for such a poor-spirited man in the opinion of the world!
Many a man would often drop a resentment, and forgive an affront, but that he is afraid, if he should, the world would not forgive him. How many wish to be real Christians, and would carefully practise temperance and sobriety, were it not for the censure which the world passes upon such a life! Others have frequent intentions of living up to the rules of the Christian religion, which they are frighted from by considering what the world would say of them. Thus does the impression which we have received from living in the world enslave our minds, that we dare not attempt to be eminent in the sight of God and holy angels, for fear of being little in the eyes of the world.
Reader, how is it with thee? Art thou still hanging between God and the world? Consider, for a moment, what can the world give thee in exchange for the favour of God? What can it help thee in sickness, death, and judgment? Make serious reflection on this with prayer unto God, and the snares of the world will be broken.
Lord, save me from the fear of man,
Which surely brings a snare;
And make me hear their scoffs and jests
With unconcerned ear.