The Bible tells us, "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion" (Proverbs 28:1).

As a young shepherd, David killed both a lion and a bear (1 Samuel 17:34-37). There can be no question about David's bravery. But why was David so bold? What was behind his courage? The Bible gives us the answer. It can serve as an inspiration to us.

David's fearlessness was firmly rooted in the love of God. The Bible defines God's love: "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:3). David's attitude toward and love for God are eloquently depicted in Psalm 119.

God's love and the keeping of His commandments are inseparable. God's love for mankind is expressed in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5). The first four show how mankind should honor and revere God, as Jesus did. The last six show how mankind should be his brother's keeper, as Jesus was. When people stray from these great truths, they suffer. Though largely unaware of this principle, they forfeit the many blessings that come from keeping God's laws.

David knew the definition of God's love. He knew the inseparability of love and commandment-keeping:

"How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Psalm 119:9-11).

"Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies" (verses 97-98).

"I hate the double-minded, but I love Your law" (verse 113).

"It is time for You to act, O LORD, for they have regarded Your law as void. Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, yes, than fine gold!" (verses 126-127).

"Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble" (verse 165).

"My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness" (verse 172).

The love of God emboldens His disciples. To actively keep God's laws, in the spirit of the law as well as the letter, is to make one fearless, courageous, brave and bold: "Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He [Christ] is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love" (1 John 4:17-18).

It was a bad day for the lion and the bear that attacked David's sheep. And it certainly was not a good day for the giant, Goliath, who challenged a young shepherd named David, who was bold as a lion.

David's bravery and boldness were rooted in the love of God. He knew that God's love and the keeping of God's laws were inseparable. David's boldness came from God. You, too, can become bold as a lion.