Matthew 10:26-33 - Fear God Rather Than People

²⁶ Do not be afraid. Nothing will be hidden. Every secret will be made known. ²⁷ The things I tell you in darkness, speak in the light. Proclaim everything you hear from on top of the house. ²⁸ Do not fear those who kill the body. They are not able to take away your [everlasting] life. Instead, fear him who is able to destroy both life and body in the ever-burning fires. (Greek: Gehenna: continuously burning trash fires in the valley of Hinnom.) ²⁹ Do two sparrows sell for a penny? Not one of them will fall on the ground without your Father knowing. ³⁰ Even the hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ Do not fear! You are more valuable than many sparrows.

³² I will tell my heavenly Father about everyone who confesses me (witnesses to others about me) before men. ³³ I will deny, before my heavenly Father, anyone who denies me before men.

⁴ I tell you my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body. After that they can do no more. ⁵ I will show you the one to fear. Fear the one who, after he has killed, has power to destroy you (throw into the ever-burning trash fires of the valley of Hinnom) (Greek: Gehenna). This is one you should fear. ⁶ Are not five sparrows sold for two coins of small value? Yet not one of them is forgotten in the sight of God. ⁷ Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear. You are worth more than many sparrows.