“The fear of man lays a snare”: “The fear of man” could mean “a man’s own fear” or “being afraid of men.” Taken either way it refers to being a coward. “Snare” is the same word used in verse 6. “Lays a snare” is literally “brings a snare” and means “involves a person in trouble,” “causes trouble for a person,” or “is a trap.” Note Good News Translation “It is dangerous. . ..”

“But he who trusts in the Lord is safe”: For “trusts in the Lord” see 3.5. In contrast to the first line, the person who “trusts in the Lord” is literally “set on high.” The same root is used in 18.10, where Revised Standard Version has “safe.” The idea of being “set on high” is that of being protected by the Lord and thus out of reach of danger.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .