Proverbs 19:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 19:23 articulates a profound truth: a life marked by reverential awe and obedient submission to the Lord is the pathway to true flourishing and enduring satisfaction. This divine fear, far from being a crippling dread, cultivates a deep trust that leads to holistic well-being, inner contentment, and divine protection from destructive evil. It presents a clear cause-and-effect relationship between one's posture toward God and the quality of one's life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 19:23 is situated within the "Solomonic collections" (Proverbs 10:1-22:16), a section characterized by individual, often antithetical or synthetic, proverbs. This particular verse functions as a synthetic proverb, where the second and third clauses expand upon or complete the thought introduced in the first. It stands as a concise theological statement, fitting seamlessly into the broader didactic purpose of Proverbs: to impart wisdom, moral instruction, and understanding for living a righteous life in covenant with God. The book repeatedly contrasts the outcomes of wisdom (rooted in the fear of the Lord) with folly, demonstrating that true flourishing stems from aligning one's life with divine principles. This verse, therefore, is not an isolated maxim but a distillation of a central tenet woven throughout the entire collection.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs emerges from the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, which sought to understand the order of the world and how humans could live harmoniously within it. In ancient Israel, this wisdom was uniquely integrated with the covenant relationship with Yahweh. The "fear of the LORD" (יִרְאַת יְהוָה, *yir'at YHWH*) was a foundational concept, distinct from pagan superstitions or mere terror. It signified a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness, power, and moral authority, which naturally led to obedience and trust. This was not an abstract philosophical concept but a practical, lived reality that shaped daily decisions, societal norms, and individual character. The promise of "life" (חַיִּים, *chayyim*) and "satisfaction" was understood holistically, encompassing physical well-being, prosperity, social harmony, and spiritual vitality, all seen as blessings from God for those who walked in His ways.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 19:23 powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs and the wider Old Testament. The primary theme is the **fear of the Lord**, which is consistently presented as the [beginning of knowledge and wisdom](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge") (e.g., [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge"), [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")). This reverential awe is the wellspring from which all true wisdom flows, guiding individuals toward righteous living. Secondly, the theme of **life and flourishing** (חַיִּים, *chayyim*) is central. The proverb asserts that fearing God leads to a full, vibrant, and meaningful existence, contrasting sharply with the destructive path of the wicked (e.g., [Proverbs 10:16](/proverbs/10-16 "Proverbs 10:16 - The Labor of the Righteous Leads to Life")). Thirdly, the verse highlights **abiding satisfaction and contentment**. Unlike the fleeting pleasures of the world, the satisfaction promised here is deep, enduring, and divinely provided, reflecting a state of inner peace and fulfillment (e.g., [Psalm 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd, I Shall Not Want")). Finally, the theme of **divine protection and deliverance from evil** underscores God's providential care for those who honor Him, ensuring that destructive harm will not ultimately prevail against them (e.g., [Psalm 91:3-4](/psalms/91-3 "Psalm 91:3-4 - God's Protection")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yirʼâh'_):** This word (H3374) denotes more than mere terror; it signifies a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's character, power, and holiness. It is a moral posture that leads to obedience and trust, recognizing God's supreme authority and wisdom. In the context of Proverbs, this "fear" is consistently portrayed as the foundation of true wisdom and the starting point for a life lived in alignment with divine principles.
* **Life (Hebrew, _chay'_):** This term (H2416) extends beyond mere physical existence. It encompasses a holistic concept of well-being, vitality, prosperity, and an abundant, meaningful existence. It refers to a flourishing life in all its dimensions—physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational—that is experienced by those who walk in God's ways. It is the antithesis of the spiritual death and decay that results from folly and wickedness.
* **Satisfied (Hebrew, _sâbêaʻ'_):** This word (H7649) means to be full or satiated, indicating a deep inner peace and contentment. It speaks of having one's needs met, not just physically but spiritually and emotionally. This satisfaction is enduring and profound, contrasting with the fleeting and often empty pursuits of worldly desires. It implies a state of being fully content and lacking nothing essential, a gift from God to those who trust in Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The fear of the LORD tendeth to life:"** This opening clause establishes the fundamental premise: a reverential awe and obedience toward God is not merely an abstract religious concept but a practical pathway. The word "tendeth" implies a direction, a natural outcome, or a progression. It means that fearing the Lord leads to, results in, or is oriented towards "life"—a comprehensive state of well-being, vitality, and flourishing in every aspect of existence, both temporal and eternal. This is the positive consequence of a right relationship with God.
* **"and he that hath it shall abide satisfied;"** This second clause describes the internal state of the one who possesses the fear of the Lord. The phrase "abide satisfied" (literally, "lodge satisfied") paints a picture of deep, settled contentment. The word "abide" (from H3885, *lûwn*) suggests permanence and stability, implying that this satisfaction is not fleeting but an enduring condition. "Satisfied" (H7649, *sâbêaʻ*) means full or satiated, indicating that all essential needs—spiritual, emotional, and even physical—are met, leading to profound inner peace and fulfillment that transcends external circumstances.
* **"he shall not be visited with evil."** This final clause provides a powerful promise of divine protection. The word "visited" (H6485, *pâqad*) can imply a visitation for inspection, care, or punishment. Here, in the negative, it means that evil (H7451, *raʻ*) will not "find" or "be accounted to" them in a destructive, calamitous sense. This does not promise an absence of all trials or difficulties, but rather a divine safeguarding and ultimate deliverance from destructive harm, disaster, or the ultimate destructive consequences that befall the wicked. It assures God's vigilance and protection over those who fear Him, preventing evil from having the final say in their lives.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 19:23 employs several literary devices to convey its profound truth. **Synthetic Parallelism** is evident, where the second and third clauses expand upon and complete the thought introduced in the first, building a comprehensive picture of the benefits of fearing the Lord. The phrase "tendeth to life" uses **Metaphor**, portraying the fear of the Lord as a path or direction leading to a desired destination—a flourishing existence. The concept of "evil" not "visiting" someone can be seen as a subtle form of **Personification**, giving evil an active, almost sentient quality that is nevertheless thwarted by divine protection. The proverb also implicitly uses **Contrast**, as the promised outcomes for those who fear the Lord stand in stark opposition to the destructive consequences that typically befall the foolish and the wicked, a common rhetorical strategy throughout the book of Proverbs.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 19:23 is a cornerstone of biblical wisdom theology, asserting that a right relationship with God is the ultimate source of human flourishing. It connects profoundly to the Old Testament concept of *shalom*, a holistic peace and well-being that encompasses spiritual, physical, and communal harmony, directly flowing from covenant faithfulness. The "fear of the LORD" is presented not as a burden but as a liberating principle, guiding individuals into God's providential care and away from the self-destructive paths of sin. This proverb underscores divine sovereignty and justice, illustrating that God's moral order is intrinsically linked to the outcomes of human choices. It reveals a God who desires the good of His people and actively protects and satisfies those who honor Him, establishing a foundational truth about His character and His relationship with humanity.

* [Psalm 34:9](/psalms/34-9 "Psalm 34:9 - Fear the Lord, You His Saints")
* [Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life")
* [Psalm 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd, I Shall Not Want")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 19:23 offers timeless wisdom that challenges our modern pursuit of happiness and security. In a world constantly seeking external validation, fleeting pleasures, and material accumulation, this proverb redirects our gaze to the internal posture of reverence towards God as the true source of life and satisfaction. It calls us to cultivate a deep, abiding awe for God's character, His commands, and His presence, recognizing that this is not a restrictive burden but a liberating path. Practically, this means prioritizing spiritual disciplines, seeking God's will in daily decisions, and trusting His sovereignty even amidst uncertainty. When our deepest reverence is directed towards the Lord, we are promised an inner contentment that transcends circumstances and a divine protection that guards us from ultimate spiritual and existential harm. This encourages a life of counter-cultural trust, where our security is found not in our own efforts or possessions, but in the faithful care of our Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "the fear of the LORD" truly mean to you personally, beyond mere intellectual assent?**
* **In what areas of your life are you seeking "satisfaction" outside of a deeper relationship with God, and how might this proverb challenge those pursuits?**
* **How does the promise of not being "visited with evil" impact your understanding of God's protection in the face of life's inevitable challenges and suffering?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate a greater sense of reverential awe and obedience toward the Lord?**

### FAQ
**What does "the fear of the LORD" truly mean in this proverb?**

Answer: In Proverbs 19:23 and throughout biblical wisdom literature, "the fear of the LORD" (Hebrew: *yir'at YHWH*) does not signify a crippling terror or dread of God. Instead, it denotes a profound, reverential awe, respect, and humble submission to God's supreme authority, holiness, and wisdom. It is the recognition of His rightful place as Creator and Sovereign, which naturally leads to obedience to His commands and trust in His character. This fear is the foundation of true wisdom, guiding an individual to live in alignment with God's moral order, leading to a flourishing and blessed life, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge").

**Does this proverb promise a life free from all suffering and hardship?**

Answer: No, Proverbs 19:23 does not promise a life entirely devoid of suffering, trials, or difficulties. The phrase "he shall not be visited with evil" implies divine protection from destructive, calamitous, or ultimate harm that would undermine the life of the one who fears the Lord. It assures that evil will not have the final say or permanently derail the path of the righteous. The Bible is clear that even the righteous experience hardship (e.g., [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous")). However, this proverb promises that those who fear the Lord will experience God's watchful care, ultimate deliverance, and an abiding satisfaction that transcends external circumstances, even in the midst of adversity.

**How does the "satisfaction" promised here relate to worldly desires or material wealth?**

Answer: The "satisfaction" (Hebrew: *sâbêaʻ*) promised in Proverbs 19:23 is a deep, inner contentment and fulfillment that comes from a right relationship with God, rather than from the accumulation of worldly desires or material wealth. While God may bless His people with material provisions, the core of this satisfaction is spiritual and existential—a sense of having all essential needs met through divine provision and peace. It stands in contrast to the fleeting satisfaction offered by worldly pursuits, which often leave one feeling empty or constantly craving more. This spiritual contentment is enduring and can sustain an individual regardless of their material circumstances, echoing the sentiment found in [Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Contentment in All Circumstances").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 19:23 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of the "fear of the LORD," perfectly demonstrating reverential awe and obedient submission to the Father in every aspect of His life and ministry (e.g., [Isaiah 11:2](/isaiah/11-2 "Isaiah 11:2 - The Spirit of the Lord Rests on Him")). In Him, the promise that "the fear of the LORD tendeth to life" is fully realized, as Jesus Himself is the very source of abundant and eternal life (e.g., [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life in Christ"), [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Those who are "in Christ" share in His perfect fear of the Father and, through Him, receive the promise of abiding satisfaction. Jesus taught His disciples not to worry about earthly provisions but to seek first the kingdom of God, promising that all other things would be added (e.g., [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")). Furthermore, the promise that "he shall not be visited with evil" is supremely fulfilled in Christ. While Jesus endured the ultimate evil of the cross, His resurrection demonstrates His triumph over sin, death, and all evil. Through faith in Him, believers are promised ultimate deliverance from the destructive power of evil and an eternal inheritance that cannot be touched by worldly harm (e.g., [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us From God's Love")). Thus, Christ is the perfect sage, the ultimate example, and the divine means by which the wisdom of Proverbs 19:23 becomes a living reality for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.