When we are afraid of people ...

If we fear people, we will disobey God's commands,

and furthermore, we will become misunderstanding, resentful, and ignorant

(Ref.: Deuteronomy 1:26-28).

A fearful heart towards people?

If we have a fearful heart towards people,

we can only hesitate to obey God's word

(Ref.: Deuteronomy 1:20-21).

If we are afraid of people ...?

Leaders who judge in place of God should listen carefully

to the complaints brought before them and judge fairly,

without showing partiality to either the wealthy or the poor,

and without being afraid of anyone

(Deuteronomy 1:16-17).

When reflecting on this verse,

it suggests that fearing people and showing partiality

to the wealthy or the poor would hinder fair judgment.

We should not fear people, but fear God.

The Egyptians feared the Israelites, who multiplied even more as they were oppressed,

whereas the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, feared God

(Exodus 1:12, 15, 17).

We should not fear people but fear God.

Therefore, rather than obeying human commands and acting accordingly,

we should listen to God's word and obey it.