Proverbs 19:23

23 The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

Proverbs 19:23 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
23 The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
English Standard Version (ESV)
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.
New Living Translation (NLT)
23 Fear of the LORD leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.
The Message Bible (MSG)
23 Fear-of-God is life itself, a full life, and serene - no nasty surprises.
American Standard Version (ASV)
23 The fear of Jehovah [tendeth] to life; And he [that hath it] shall abide satisfied; He shall not be visited with evil.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, and such a person will rest easy without suffering harm.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
23 The fear of the Lord leads to life; one will sleep at night without danger.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
23 Having respect for the LORD leads to life. Then you will be content and free from trouble.

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 a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.
22 What a person desires is unfailing love ; better to be poor than a liar.
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
24 A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth!
25 Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke the discerning, and they will gain knowledge.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Job 4:7; S Proverbs 10:27; Psalms 25:13; Proverbs 12:21; 1 Timothy 4:8
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.