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.

Proverbs 19:23 nkjv

The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.

Proverbs 19:23 niv

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

Proverbs 19:23 esv

The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.

Proverbs 19:23 nlt

Fear of the LORD leads to life,
bringing security and protection from harm.

Proverbs 19 verses

Proverbs 19 23 Meaning

Proverbs 19:23 conveys a profound truth: a life marked by reverence and submission to God (the "fear of the LORD") results in a blessed existence that leads to true, flourishing life, inner satisfaction, and divine protection from overwhelming adversity. It describes a state of secure contentment where one finds ultimate peace and is shielded from destructive evil.

Proverbs 19 23 Context

Proverbs chapter 19 is a collection of various unconnected but thematically consistent aphorisms, characteristic of much of the book of Proverbs. It contrasts the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, diligence and laziness, emphasizing that ultimately, the ways of God are superior and lead to flourishing.Verse 23 fits within the broader context of biblical wisdom literature, which often links moral and spiritual disposition to consequences in life. It directly connects reverence for God to tangible blessings. Historically and culturally, ancient Israel viewed the "fear of the LORD" as the cornerstone of right living and the foundation for understanding reality and morality, crucial for individual and societal well-being in a world often beset by instability and threats. The proverbs aim to provide practical guidance for living in harmony with God's established order.

Proverbs 19 23 Word analysis

• The fear of the LORD (יִרְאַת יְהוָה, yir'at YHWH):
  • Yir'at (from ירא, yare'): Not mere terror, but a profound reverence, awe, respect, and humble submission to God's authority, holiness, and power. It acknowledges God as the sovereign Creator and Judge. It leads to obedience and seeking His will.
  • YHWH (rendered "LORD"): The sacred, covenantal name of God, emphasizing His personal, relational aspect with His people.
  • Significance: This is the foundational principle of biblical wisdom (Prov 1:7, 9:10). It signifies a proper relationship with the Divine, acting as the antidote to self-reliance and foolishness, and the gateway to genuine spiritual and practical insight.
• leads to life (לְחַיִּים, le-chayyim):
  • Chayyim (plural form of חַי, chay): Implies not just biological existence, but a full, rich, thriving, abundant life; well-being, prosperity in a holistic sense, encompassing spiritual, physical, emotional, and relational flourishing. It can also point to eternal life.
  • Significance: The reverence for God is not an end in itself but a means to experience true, deep life as intended by the Creator. It is the antithesis of a wasted or diminished existence.
• then one rests content (יָלִין שָׂבֵעַ, yalin savea’):
  • Yalin (from לון, lun): To spend the night, to lodge, to dwell. It implies a settled, lasting state of security and tranquility.
  • Savea’ (from שׂבע, saba’): To be satisfied, full, content, sated. It speaks of inner peace and freedom from wanting or anxiety.
  • Significance: The blessed life involves a deep-seated satisfaction and inner peace, a contentment that endures, not dependent on external circumstances but stemming from the secure relationship with God. This rest is psychological and spiritual.
• untouched by harm (בַּל־יִפָּקֶד רָע, bal-yippaqed ra’):
  • Bal: A strong negation, "not," "lest," "by no means."
  • Yippaqed (from פקד, paqad): To be visited, inspected, appointed, missed, or lacking. In the negative here, it means "not visited by," "not missed by" (in the sense of being found absent or wanting), "not lacking." The general sense is that evil will not befall or "mark" him. It speaks of divine protection or the non-occurrence of harm.
  • Ra’: Evil, trouble, adversity, calamity, misery, misfortune. It covers various forms of harm or distress.
  • Significance: This signifies divine providence and protection. While not an absolute guarantee against all hardship (the righteous still face trials), it assures that fundamental or ultimate evil will not overcome or destroy the one who fears the Lord. It implies deliverance from significant adversity or ultimate ruin, and a foundational security against the predominant destructive forces of the world.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:
  • "The fear of the LORD leads to life": This phrase establishes the foundational cause-and-effect. A right relationship with God is the starting point and prerequisite for truly living.
  • "then one rests content": This describes a consequence in the internal, emotional, and psychological sphere. It is a profound, tranquil satisfaction, implying the absence of agitation and internal strife.
  • "untouched by harm": This specifies an external consequence – divine protection. The righteous individual is preserved from calamity and ruin, indicating God's watchful care over those who honor Him.

Proverbs 19 23 Bonus section

The concept of "fear of the LORD" is crucial across the entire Bible. It's distinct from being afraid of God in a terror-inducing sense. Instead, it embodies respect for His holy nature, acknowledgment of His supreme authority, and humble obedience to His will. This type of fear is seen as wisdom (Job 28:28) and a foundation for stability and righteousness in one's life. The proverb underscores that this reverent attitude yields not merely future spiritual blessings, but tangible, present benefits including psychological tranquility and a shield against destructive worldly forces. It presents a holistic vision of God's blessing, encompassing one's inner state and external circumstances, confirming God's care for those who orient their lives around Him.

Proverbs 19 23 Commentary

Proverbs 19:23 distills a central message of wisdom literature: the "fear of the LORD," understood as reverent awe and humble submission to God, is the pathway to comprehensive well-being. This reverence does not lead to a fearful, restrictive existence, but paradoxically, to authentic "life" – a state of spiritual vitality, material provision, and overall flourishing. This genuine relationship with God also cultivates an enduring inner "contentment," a deep satisfaction that remains steadfast regardless of external circumstances, protecting the individual from anxiety and internal unrest. Furthermore, the verse promises divine "protection" such that serious "harm" or ruin will not ultimately befall the one who truly fears God, affirming His faithful providence. It suggests a qualitative security where even in difficulties, there's an underlying assurance of God's care.

• Practical usage example: When faced with a difficult decision, choosing the path that aligns with God's principles, motivated by reverence for Him, often brings inner peace and a sense of rightness that external achievements cannot provide. Similarly, during financial insecurity, trusting in God's provision and sovereignty (fearing Him) allows one to experience contentment rather than despair, and often witnesses God's protection from ultimate want.