Proverbs 19:23

¶ The fear of the LORD [tendeth] to life: and [he that hath it] shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

The fear {H3374} of the LORD {H3068} tendeth to life {H2416}: and he that hath it shall abide {H3885} satisfied {H7649}; he shall not be visited {H6485} with evil {H7451}.

The fear of ADONAI leads to life; one who has it is satisfied and rests untouched by evil.

The fear of the LORD leads to life, that one may rest content, without visitation from harm.

The fear of Jehovahtendethto life; And hethat hath itshall abide satisfied; He shall not be visited with evil.

Context

Proverbs 19:23 is a profound statement from the book of Proverbs, a collection of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature primarily attributed to King Solomon. This book offers practical guidance for living a righteous and flourishing life under God's sovereignty. The verse fits within a larger theme throughout Proverbs that contrasts the outcomes of living wisely (fearing the Lord) versus foolishly. It speaks directly to the benefits and blessings associated with a proper relationship with the Divine.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Fear of the LORD as a Foundation: The phrase "the fear of the LORD" does not signify terror but rather a deep, reverential awe, respect, and obedient submission to God's character and commands. It's the recognition of His supreme authority and holiness. This profound respect is consistently presented in Proverbs as the beginning of true wisdom and knowledge.
  • Pathway to True Life: The verse states that this reverence "tendeth to life." This "life" (Hebrew: chayyim) is not merely physical existence but a holistic concept encompassing well-being, prosperity, spiritual vitality, and an abundant, meaningful existence. It suggests that aligning oneself with God's ways leads to a life of true flourishing and purpose.
  • Abiding Satisfaction and Protection: Those who possess this fear of the Lord "shall abide satisfied." The Hebrew word for "abide" (yalin) means to lodge or spend the night, implying a settled, enduring contentment that is not fleeting. "Satisfied" (savea) means full or satiated, indicating deep inner peace and fulfillment. Furthermore, they "shall not be visited with evil," meaning they will be protected from significant harm, disaster, or the ultimate destructive consequences that befall the wicked. This doesn't promise an absence of all trials, but a divine safeguarding and ultimate triumph over adversity.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the fear of the LORD" translates the Hebrew יִרְאַת יְהוָה (yir'at Yahweh), which is a recurring theological concept in the Old Testament. It denotes a profound reverence and awe that leads to moral obedience and trust, rather than a crippling dread. The term "tendeth to life" (לְחַיִּים - l'chayyim) emphasizes a movement towards or result in a full, rich life. "Shall abide satisfied" (יָלִין שָׂבֵעַ - yalin savea) paints a picture of someone who settles down in contentment, having all their needs met, both physically and spiritually. The phrase "not be visited with evil" (בְּלִי יִפָּקֶד רָע - b'li yippaqed ra') suggests that evil will not 'find' or 'be accounted to' them in a destructive way, implying divine vigilance and protection.

Practical Application

Proverbs 19:23 offers timeless wisdom for modern living. It challenges us to examine the foundation of our lives. If our deepest reverence and submission are directed towards God, the verse promises a life characterized by:

  • True Fulfillment: Rather than chasing fleeting pleasures or worldly success, genuine satisfaction is found in a relationship with God. This spiritual contentment can sustain us through life's ups and downs.
  • Divine Guidance and Protection: While life is never without challenges, walking in the fear of the Lord provides a guiding principle that helps us avoid many pitfalls and assures us of God's watchful care and ultimate deliverance from destructive evil. It encourages us to trust in His protection.
  • A Stable and Abundant Life: This verse encourages a lifestyle of obedience and trust, leading to a stable and purposeful existence that transcends mere survival, moving towards a truly abundant life, echoing the promise of abundant life given by Christ.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 14:26

    ¶ In the fear of the LORD [is] strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

  • Proverbs 14:27

    The fear of the LORD [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

  • Matthew 5:6

    Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

  • Isaiah 58:10

    And [if] thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness [be] as the noonday:

  • Isaiah 58:11

    And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

  • Proverbs 12:21

    ¶ There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.

  • Hebrews 13:5

    [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
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