When you have nothing to hide, you have no reason to run.

Solomon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, clues us in to this truth when he wrote, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1). Clearly he understood that sin produces gripping fear, but obedience results in transparent courage.

Let that principle blanket you for a moment: obedience results in transparent courage. And it’s not just a principle; it’s a promise as well. God assures his children that boldness will flow when obedience is pursued.

Often we switch the order of these two connected elements. We falsely reason, “Once I feel bold enough, then I’ll obey.” People express this backwards equation in regards to things like being baptized, witnessing to a friend, or committing to long-term service as a missionary.

But the reality is boldness comes from obedience, not before it. This is why the righteous are bold: they know their actions are founded upon, and in response to, God and his Word. So they need not fear or worry about the outcome. Righteous people know that obedience isn’t about feeling a lack of fear before taking action, but more about the presence of courage in the middle of action.

Yes, righteous people obey and leave the consequences to God. They don’t run in fear from what’s right. Instead, they run into obedience, unafraid of the unknown, confident God owns it.

The mantra of the righteous isn’t what our culture touts: “Stay safe.” No, the clarion call of the righteous, in both word and action, is simply this: “Stay brave.”