Proverbs 3:25

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 3:25 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Be not afraid of sudden fear, Neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Be not afraid of sudden fear, Neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh:
Proverbs 3:25 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
25Be not afraid of sudden fear, Neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh:

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Be not afraid of sudden fear, etc.] Of anything terrible that comes unawares, unthought of, by any of the above things mentioned in the preceding note; or by any rumours and reports of danger being near at hand; always think thyself safe in the arms of Wisdom, and under the care of Israel’s keeper, who neither slumbers nor sleeps; neither of the desolation of the wicked when it cometh; either of the desolation which wicked men threaten to bring, and are suffered to bring, upon the godly for the sake of religion; either on their persons or goods, since suffering at their hands in such a cause is to the honour of saints, and for the glory of God; or of the desolation which comes upon the…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Be not--or, "You shall not be." sudden fear--what causes it (Pro 1:27), any unlooked-for evil (Psa 46:3; Psa 91:12; Pe1 3:14). desolation-- (Pro 1:27).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Under the form of this strong prohibition there is an equally strong promise. So safe will all thy ways be that to fear will be a sin. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Be not - Thou shalt not be afraid. Sudden - For sudden and unexpected evils are most frightful. And fear is here put for the evils feared. Desolation - Which cometh upon the wicked. Proverbs 3:26”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Be: Job 5:21, Job 5:22, Job 11:13-15; Psa 27:1, Psa 27:2, Psa 46:1-3, Psa 91:5, Psa 112:7; Isa 8:12, Isa 8:13; Isa 41:10-14; Dan 3:17, Dan 3:18; Mat 8:24-26, Mat 24:6; Mar 4:40; Luk 21:9; Joh 14:1; Pe1 3:14 neither: Pro 1:27; Psa 73:19; Mat 24:15; Luk 21:18-28 Proverbs 3:26”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification