The Fear of Strong Men

In recent years, more and more people have realized the need for strong men—men who will lead their families and churches, which are the foundation of society. But leadership isn't about holding a title or position. True leaders lead. They don't wait for permission, nor do they seek recognition. It's often the weak and immature who fight for titles before their names.

Recognizing the need for strong men is one thing—forming them is another. Scripture says, "A wise man is strong" (Proverbs 24:5). Physical strength has its place, but true strength comes from wisdom. "By wisdom, a house is built, and by understanding, it is established" (Proverbs 24:3). Victory is secured not through sheer power or independence, but through guidance and wise counsel.

So, how do we build wisdom?

The Bible gives us a clear answer: first, acknowledge your lack of wisdom, and then ask God for it. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting" (James 1:5-6). But even faith itself is a gift from God. Do you see where this leads? We are fully dependent on Him—for faith, for wisdom, for strength.

This is why the foundation of true strength is the fear of the Lord. It's a deep reverence for God, a dependence on Him, and the recognition that He alone is the source of all strength. Strong men are men who fear—but their fear is rightly placed. They fear the Almighty.

Do you want to be a strong man? Are you raising sons and praying they become strong men? It all starts with cultivating the right kind of fear—the fear of the Lord.

Some might object: "But doesn't the Bible say that perfect love casts out fear?" Yes, in 1 John 4:18, but that passage speaks of the fear of punishment—fear driven by guilt and judgment. That's different from the fear of the Lord, which is not erased by love but deepened by it. The more we love God, the more we revere Him. And this fear—the fear that Proverbs speaks of—is not crippling terror but the foundation of wisdom, strength, and security.

May God raise up a generation of men who fear Him—men of wisdom, men of strength, men whom God will use to establish His house and fill the earth with His glory.

Amen.

Nino Marques