Synonyms for People-Pleasing, Insecurity, or Fear of Man

What the Bible calls the fear of man goes by many names in our modern vocabulary, often cloaked in socially acceptable language or chalked up to personality quirks. But beneath the surface of these terms is a controlling belief system—a misplaced trust in people over God. When we speak of insecurity, peer pressure, or people-pleasing, we’re not simply pointing out emotional struggles or behavioral patterns. We are exposing a functional theology—a belief system about where our hope lies and what ultimately defines our worth. The fear of man is far more than a social discomfort; it’s a faith issue. It reveals where you are placing your confidence.