The wise man Solomon wrote, “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe” (Prov.29:25).  It is dangerous, spiritually speaking, when man fears man.  Just how is it that man fears man?
     Man fears man when he holds man in reverential awe.  Man places man upon a pedestal which only God should occupy.  The humanist, the atheist, and the agnostic elevate man to god-like status.  As far as they are concerned, there is no higher being in this universe than man.  God is forgotten, and man elevates himself to a position which was intended for the Almighty.
     Man fears man when he is afraid of the actions that may be taken by the ungodly against those who would live godly lives.  Too many who claim to be followers of God hide that part of their lives from the world for fear of what man may do.  The wicked rule while many cower in fear rather than living godly lives.  When man fears man in this way, his thoughts center on himself as to how he may protect his own life.  He forgets about God, and he forgets about others.
     Whether man elevates man to god-like status, or whether man is terrified of the actions man may take against him, both lend themselves to selfishness.  Man becomes the center of his own little universe.  God is forsaken.
     The remedy:  put your trust in the Lord.  Those who do so will not fall into the snare of self-glorification.  Those who place complete trust in the Lord will live happy, peaceable lives (Jer.17:7) free from worry and fear.