BOLD AS A LION

PROVERBS 28:1 NKJ 
The wicked flee when no one pursues, 
But the righteous are bold as a lion. 

 The idea of a cowardly lion did not come from the scriptures.  It was a character from the Wizard of Oz movie.  The idea that a lion could be scared was what made the character so absurd.   

When the scriptures refer to lions, they are always portrayed as fearless.  This scripture in Proverbs provides a great contrast of how the wicked acts versus the righteous. 

This word wicked is not serial killer material; this word refers to one who is guilty or in the wrong.  The contrast is with the righteous or one conforming to a standard of right.   

So, if we look at this passage in a spiritual context.  The wicked one who is guilty has no confidence, especially as it pertains to God, while the righteous, those made right with God and living according to His standards, are confident as a lion.  The guilty run while the righteous roar.   

APPLICATION 

When we sin and are guilty, we know it.  In fact, the scriptures say our own heart condemns us.  But if our hearts are not condemning us, we have confidence toward God.  (1 John 3:20-21) 

In my own life, when I was guilty and out of sorts with God, problems were much more daunting.  But when all was right with me and God, and me and others, I could lean into a problem with much more confidence. There are big benefits to living right before God; it's the difference between running and roaring.