Proverbs 30:30—If the fear of man is on all beasts, why do lions not fear humans?

Problem: God told Noah that “the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth” (Gen. 9:2). However, this is not the case, for even Proverbs 30:30 admits that the lion “does not turn away from any.”

Solution: Several things help us to understand this problem. First, “the turn away” may refer to other beasts, not to humans. Second, unless they are desperately hungry or defending their young or turf, beasts do try to steer clear of human beings. Third, whatever exceptions there may be only serve to establish the rule that the presence of human beings tends to intimidate lower forms of life.

This excerpt is from When Critics Ask: A Popular Handbook on Bible Difficulties (Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books, 1992). © 2014 Norman Geisler and Thomas Howe. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Click here to purchase this book.