The fear of the LORD leads to lifeThe concept of "the fear of the LORD" is foundational in biblical wisdom literature, emphasizing a reverent awe and respect for God. This fear is not about terror but about recognizing God's holiness and authority. In Proverbs, it is often associated with wisdom and understanding (
Proverbs 1:7). The phrase "leads to life" suggests that living in reverence to God results in a life that is spiritually fulfilling and aligned with God's will. This life is not merely physical but encompasses eternal life, as seen in
John 17:3, where knowing God is equated with eternal life. The fear of the LORD is a guiding principle that directs believers towards a life that is abundant and meaningful, echoing Jesus' promise of life to the full in
John 10:10.
that one may rest content
Resting contently implies a state of peace and satisfaction, which is a recurring theme in Scripture. This contentment is not dependent on external circumstances but is a result of trusting in God's provision and sovereignty.Philippians 4:11-13 speaks to this contentment, where Paul describes learning to be content in all situations through Christ who strengthens him. The cultural context of ancient Israel, where security and provision were often uncertain, highlights the profound nature of this promise. It suggests a deep, inner peace that comes from a relationship with God, transcending the anxieties of daily life.
without visitation from harm
The promise of being "without visitation from harm" can be understood as divine protection. While it does not imply a life free from challenges or suffering, it assures believers of God's presence and ultimate deliverance.Psalm 91:10-11 speaks of God's protection over those who dwell in His shelter. Historically, the Israelites experienced God's protection in various forms, such as during their exodus from Egypt. This phrase also points to the eschatological hope of ultimate safety and peace in God's kingdom, where harm and evil will be no more, as depicted inRevelation 21:4. The assurance of God's protection encourages believers to live boldly and confidently in their faith.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness to His promises.
2.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, known for his wisdom and leadership as the king of Israel.
3.
IsraelThe nation to whom the Proverbs were originally given, serving as a context for understanding the cultural and religious background.
4.
The WiseThose who seek and apply God's wisdom, often contrasted with fools in the book of Proverbs.
5.
The Fear of the LORDA recurring theme in Proverbs, representing reverence, awe, and obedience to God.
Teaching Points
The Fear of the LORD as a Pathway to LifeEmphasize that true life, both abundant and eternal, begins with a reverent relationship with God.
Encourage believers to cultivate a deep respect and awe for God's holiness and authority.
Contentment Through ReverenceHighlight that contentment is a byproduct of fearing the LORD, as it aligns our desires with His will.
Challenge individuals to find satisfaction in God's provision rather than worldly pursuits.
Protection from TroubleTeach that fearing the LORD provides a spiritual safeguard, offering peace and security amidst life's challenges.
Encourage trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He shields those who honor Him.
Practical Steps to Cultivate the Fear of the LORDSuggest daily practices such as prayer, Bible study, and worship to deepen one's reverence for God.
Encourage accountability and fellowship with other believers to grow in wisdom and understanding.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 19:23?
2.How does Proverbs 19:23 define the "fear of the LORD" in daily life?
3.What does "leads to life" imply about our relationship with God?
4.How can Proverbs 19:23 guide us in making moral decisions?
5.How does this verse connect with Jesus' teachings on eternal life?
6.In what ways can we cultivate the "fear of the LORD" today?
7.How does Proverbs 19:23 define the "fear of the LORD" in a believer's life?
8.What does "rest content" mean in the context of Proverbs 19:23?
9.How does Proverbs 19:23 relate to the concept of eternal life?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 19?
11.Proverbs 19:23 promises protection from harm for those who fear God—how do real-world tragedies affecting believers align with this assurance?
12.What is deophobia?
13.Do you wish to prosper and be in good health?
14.Do you wish to prosper and be in good health?What Does Proverbs 19:23 Mean
The fear of the LORD"The fear of the LORD" is the doorway to all wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) and the choice to honor God above every rival claim.
• It combines awe, love, and submission; this fear moves us toward obedience rather than away from God (Exodus 20:20).
• Those who fear Him “lack nothing” (Psalm 34:9).
• In that reverence we find “strong confidence” (Proverbs 14:26).
leads to lifeReverence is not theoretical; it produces living, vibrant wholeness.
• Moses urged Israel, “Choose life… for the LORD is your life” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).
• Jesus echoed, “I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness” (John 10:10).
• “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life” (Proverbs 14:27), rescuing us from ruin and opening us to eternal fellowship with Him.
that one may rest contentHaving entered real life, the believer enjoys soul-deep rest.
• David testified, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).
• Paul assured, “The peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
• Jesus extends the invitation, “Come to Me… and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).
Contentment flows from trusting the One who holds every moment.
without visitation from harmGod shields His reverent ones from ultimate calamity. Trials may come, but destructive harm cannot overrun His boundaries.
• “No evil will befall you, no plague will approach your tent” (Psalm 91:10).
• “No harm overwhelms the righteous” (Proverbs 12:21).
• “Whoever listens to Me will dwell in safety, secure from the fear of evil” (Proverbs 1:33).
Even hardships serve His good purpose for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
summaryWhen I fear the LORD I step onto the path of genuine life, discover restful satisfaction, and live under God’s protective care. Reverence, life, contentment, and safety are woven together in this single, gracious promise.
(23)
The fear of the Lord tendeth to life.--To life in this world, the reward of uprightness promised to the Israelites of old (
Isaiah 37:29); and to life in the next (
Mark 10:30).
He shall not be visited with evil.--(Comp.Leviticus 26:6.) A higher blessing is promised in the New Testament; not immunity from trouble, for trouble may be needed for advance in holiness (Romans 8:28), but protection in it (1Peter 3:13;Romans 8:35,sqq.). . . .
Verse 23. -
The fear of the Lord tendeth to life (
Proverbs 14:27). True religion, obedience to God's commandments, was, under a temporal dispensation, rewarded by a long and happy life in this world, an adumbration of the blessedness that awaits the righteous in the world to come.
And he that hath it shall abide satisfied. The subject passes from "the fear" to its possessor. Perhaps better,
and satisfied he shall pass the night, which is the usual sense of
לוּן (
lun), the verb here translated "abide" (so
Proverbs 15:31). God will satisfy the good man's hunger, so that he lays him down in peace and takes his rest (comp.
Proverbs 10:3). Vulgate
, In plenitudine commorabitur, "He shall dwell in abundance."
He shall not be visited with evil, according to the, promises (
Leviticus 26:6:
Deuteronomy 11:15, etc.). Under our present dispensation Christians expect not immunity from care and trouble, but have hope of protection and grace sufficient for the occasion, and conducive to edification and advance in holiness. The LXX. translates thus: "The fear of the Lord is unto life for a man; but he that is without fear (
ὁ δὲ ἄφοβος) shall sojourn in places where knowledge is not seen;"
i.e. shall go from bad to worse, till he ends in society where Divine knowledge is wholly absent, and lives without God in the world. The Greek interpreters read
דּע (
dea), "knowledge," instead of
רע (
ra), "evil."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The fearיִרְאַ֣ת(yir·’aṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3374:Fear, reverenceof the LORDיְהוָ֣ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelleads to life,לְחַיִּ֑ים(lə·ḥay·yîm)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2416:Alive, raw, fresh, strong, lifethat one may restיָ֝לִ֗ין(yā·lîn)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3885:To stop, to stay permanently, to be obstinatecontent,וְשָׂבֵ֥עַ(wə·śā·ḇê·a‘)Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7649:Sated, satisfied, surfeitedwithoutבַּל־(bal-)Adverb
Strong's 1077:A failure, nothing, not at all, lestvisitationיִפָּ֥קֶד(yip·pā·qeḏ)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6485:To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, depositfrom harm.רָֽע׃(rā‘)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451:Bad, evil
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 19:23 The fear of Yahweh leads to life (Prov. Pro Pr) 
