Proverbs 19:23

23 Dread of the Lord leadeth to life; and he that dreadeth God shall dwell in plenty, without visiting of the worst/without full evil visiting. (Fear of the Lord leadeth to life; and he who feareth God shall live amidst plenty, without the visiting of the adversary./Reverence for the Lord leadeth to life; and he who revereth God shall live amidst plenty, without the assailing of great evil.)

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 thoughts there be in the heart of a man; but the will of the Lord shall dwell. (There be many plans in a person's heart; but the Lord's purpose shall stand, yea, it shall prevail.)
22 A needy man is merciful; and better is a poor (but) just man, than a man (who is a) liar. (A person in need is merciful; and it is better to be poor but righteous, than to be a liar.)
23 Dread of the Lord leadeth to life; and he that dreadeth God shall dwell in plenty, without visiting of the worst/without full evil visiting. (Fear of the Lord leadeth to life; and he who feareth God shall live amidst plenty, without the visiting of the adversary./Reverence for the Lord leadeth to life; and he who revereth God shall live amidst plenty, without the assailing of great evil.)
24 A slow man, (that is, a lazy person,) hideth his hand under his armpit, and putteth it not to his mouth.
25 When a man full of pestilence is beaten, a fool shall be the wiser, (if he will but learn from his example, or from his experience). (But) If thou blamest a wise man, he shall understand (the) teaching.
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.