These words of wisdom point to one of the key types of courage and that is facing your fears. The Nights Watch knows that the lands north of the wall are full of danger and many of the men will be afraid. To encourage loyalty and help reduce the number of things that the brothers of the Nights Watch as to fear, they all swore a vow that in which they give up their families and lands.
Night gathers, and now my watch begins. It shall not end until my death. I shall take no wife, hold no lands, and father no children. I shall wear no crowns and win no glory. I shall live and die at my post. I am the sword in the darkness. I am the watcher on the walls. I am the fire that burns against the cold, the light that brings the dawn, the horn that wakes the sleepers, the shield that guards the realms of men. I pledge my life and honor to the Night 's Watch, for this night and all the nights to come. (Martin 620)
By giving up their families and homes the brothers of the Night’s Watch are giving themselves the ability to face almost certain death. Without the fear of losing their families or homes they do not stand to lose anything if they die. This allows them to face death and keep fighting till the bitter end for they have nothing to