Proverbs 19:23

23 The fear of the LORD 1leads to life, and whoever has it rests 2satisfied; he will 3not be visited by harm.

Proverbs 19:23 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 19:23

The fear of the Lord [tendeth] to life
"Godliness", of which the fear of the Lord is a principal part, has "the promise of this life and that to come", ( 1 Timothy 4:8 ) : the fear of God is the beginning of a spiritual life; and it leads to eternal life, as Gersom observes, and is connected with it; and [he that hath it] shall abide satisfied;
with his lot and portion in this life; with the good things of it he has, being content therewith and "godliness with contentment is great gain", ( 1 Timothy 6:6 ) : such a man has enough; he has all things in a spiritual sense; he is full of the blessings of goodness; he is blessed with all spiritual blessings; his mouth is satisfied, and his mind is filled with good things; and so he rests and abides night after night, and day after day; he shall not be visited with evil;
nothing shall hurt him; all his afflictions, his worst things, his evil ones: work together for his good; and they shall never separate from the love of God, nor anything that befalls him in this life, ( Romans 8:28 Romans 8:38 Romans 8:39 ) ; see ( Psalms 91:10 ) .

Proverbs 19:23 In-Context

21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.
22 What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.
24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth.
25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

Cross References 3

  • 1. Proverbs 10:16; Proverbs 11:19; [Isaiah 38:5; Mark 10:30]
  • 2. [Psalms 25:13]
  • 3. [Leviticus 26:6]
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.