Proverbs 19:23

23 The fear of the Lord is life to a man: and he shall lodge without fear in places where knowledge is not seen.

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 in a man's heart; but the counsel of the Lord abides for ever.

22 Mercy is a fruit to a man: and a poor man is better than a rich liar.

23 The fear of the Lord is life to a man: and he shall lodge without fear in places where knowledge is not seen.

24 He that unjustly hides his hands in his bosom, will not even them up to his mouth.

25 When a pestilent character is scourged, a simple man is made wiser: and if thou reprove a wise man, he will understand discretion.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or, 'but he that is without fear (sc. of the Lord) shall dwell' etc.