Proverbs 19:23

23 The ¹fear of the LORD leads to life, So that one may sleep ²satisfied, ³untouched * by 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 plans are in a man's heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand.

22 What is desirable in a man is his kindness, And it is better to be a poor man than a liar .

23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.

24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish, But will not even bring it back to his mouth.

25 Strike a scoffer and the naive may become shrewd, But reprove one who has understanding and he will gain knowledge.

Cross References

• 1. Proverbs 14:27; 1 Timothy 4:8
• 2. Psalms 25:13
• 3. Psalms 91:10; Proverbs 12:21

Footnotes

• [a]. Or "reverence"
• [b]. Lit "not visited"