Bold as a Lion: Christian Courage in an Age of Cowards

by Matthew Everhard, Kelly Everhard (Illustrator)

“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” — Proverbs 28:1

In an age of fear, compromise, and cultural confusion, what does it mean to live with true Christian courage?

In Bold as a Lion, pastor and professor Matthew Everhard calls believers to recover the lost virtue of courage. Drawing from Scripture, theology, and the wisdom of church history, Everhard argues that we are living in an age of great cowardice—an era when many Christians have become silent in the face of moral chaos.

From COVID controversies to gender confusion and cultural hostility, believers have too often allowed the fear of man to rule their hearts. Yet the Bible calls us instead to the fear of the Lord—a holy reverence that produces conviction, not compromise.

This book unfolds as a commentary on Proverbs 28:1,

The four types of fear that shape our lives—supernatural, natural, rational, and irrational

Why cowardice cripples the church and silences truth-telling

How courage takes form in the lives of the Disciple, the Prophet, the Philosopher, the Warrior, and the Martyr

And how Jesus Christ stands as the supreme example of courage for all who follow Him

Both men and women are called to live boldly, faithfully, and fearlessly in an age of compromise. Bold as a Lion is a rallying cry to stand firm for the truth—no matter the cost.

If you desire to grow in courage, conviction, and steadfast faith, this book will challenge and inspire you to roar with the strength that comes from Christ alone.

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2025

Reviews

[Hector Barrowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book that I have read from Everhard (the first being Worshiptainment). Both have been well worth it, giving helpful instruction and a good dose of challenge. Especially enjoyed the well-structured linear progression of the book's argument, which made it very easy to read and follow along with. The use of tables, figures and pictures throughout the pages also were brilliant - e.g. 'Table 7: The Media's narrative' was awesome. Would definitely recommend to any Christian man and it will be hard to find a better read in 2026!

[Adam Kareus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear call for Christians to once again grab hold of the courage we all should have as believers. Everhard does as good job of looking at fear and then courage as the virtue which all believers should have, as well as how it functions in different ways for different circumstances.

[Derek Herrema · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book! 👍👍

[John W Pipes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wicked flee when no one pursues,
but the righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1

I was turned on to this book by an online book club, and it turned out to be a book I shall reread on a regular basis. It is that encouraging. I appreciated Dr. Everhard’s honesty and humility at the start, as he reviews the Christian response during COVID. Specifically agreeing to close our churches when we should have stayed open. He was not alone!

We’ve learned a great deal about ourselves over the last several years and we have some work to do.
This book is a call to action!

The Scriptures continually command us to “not be afraid” and “be strong and courageous”. This is a delightful pastoral teaching to apply Scripture and live out what we believe by faith. Highly recommend!

[Daniel Alcantara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book incredibly helpful. It’s pastorally sensitive without backing down from plainly stating the truth. I’ve personally found it to be encouraging and also used it to put together a discussion guide for a recent men’s breakfast at the church I pastor. If there is one critique that I would offer, it is that the book is very American in its outlook, particularly the chapter on the archetype of the warrior. For my uses, that simply means that there is more work that needs to be done to contextualise it.

[Alan Routhieaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of the most challenging that I have read. It had challenged me to look deep into myself and examine my heart. What I found was I have been much more of a coward than a lion. But Matthew has allowed me to realize where I am failing and what steps need to be taken to change my life so that I can indeed be a Lion for Christ and his kingdom. I cannot recommend this book enough. An excellent look into our hearts as men and how to make the necessary changes. Well done Matthew

[Taylor Eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book which hits the nail on the head regarding fear & cowardice today, both in the world but especially in the church. Everhard identifies many ways in which Christians, particularly church leaders have recently capitulated due to their fears. Everhard doesn’t just help expose the sinful fears, but gives us the solution. He has several helpful (and biblically commanded!) ways we are to stand courageously through the power of the Spirit.

[Ben Podlesnik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be very helpful in my quest for courage and boldness. As we see throughout history, the absence of courage (cowardice) lies many of the world’s problems, as is layed out in the first half of the book. And the 5 archetypes as described in the second half were well thought out and grounded in Scripture. First book I’ve read from Dr. Everhard and will likely look to reading his other work.

[Eric Mayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. Very thought provoking. It put courage and cowardice in perspective. Especially in its contrast of Jesus with the archetypes of courage. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to understand Biblical courage.

[Willie Barkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a stronger Christian for having read this book

My confidence, as a Christian, elevated to a higher level. I would recommend this book to anyone who needs bolstering in their courage as a faithful follower of Christ.

[Matthew Rawlings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Matthew Everhard (his Youtube channel is a must watch) and this is a recommended read.