◄ Proverbs 10:27 ►
The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be cut short.
Study Bible
The fear of the LORD
This phrase is central to the wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly in Proverbs. The Hebrew word for "fear" is "yirah," which encompasses reverence, awe, and respect. It is not merely about being afraid but involves a deep, abiding respect for God's power and authority. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this fear was foundational to a life of wisdom and understanding. It implies a relationship with God that acknowledges His sovereignty and aligns one's life with His will. This reverence is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) and is seen as a guiding principle for a righteous life.

prolongs life
The concept of life being prolonged is tied to the blessings of obedience and righteousness. In the Hebrew mindset, life was not just about longevity but about quality and fulfillment. The promise of prolonged life is often seen in the context of covenant blessings (Deuteronomy 5:33). It suggests that living in accordance with God's commandments leads to a life that is not only longer but also richer and more meaningful. This is not merely a physical promise but also a spiritual one, indicating a life filled with purpose and divine favor.

but the years of the wicked
The contrast here is stark. "Wicked" in Hebrew is "rasha," referring to those who are morally wrong, guilty, or hostile to God. The wicked are those who live in opposition to God's laws and principles. Throughout the Bible, the wicked are often depicted as those who reject God's authority and live according to their own desires. This phrase sets up a direct comparison between the righteous and the wicked, highlighting the consequences of their respective life choices.

will be shortened
The shortening of the years of the wicked is a common theme in biblical literature, emphasizing the consequences of living a life contrary to God's will. This is not just about physical death but also about the loss of potential blessings and the ultimate spiritual death. The Hebrew word "qatsar" implies being cut off or diminished. Historically, this reflects the understanding that sin leads to destruction and separation from God. The Bible consistently teaches that the path of wickedness leads to ruin, both in this life and in the life to come.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, representing His eternal and unchanging nature. The fear of the LORD is a central theme in Proverbs, emphasizing reverence and obedience to God.

3. The Righteous
Those who live in accordance with God's laws and principles, often contrasted with the wicked in Proverbs.

4. The Wicked
Individuals who live in opposition to God's ways, often experiencing negative consequences as a result.

5. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.
Teaching Points
The Fear of the LORD as a Foundation
Emphasize that a reverent relationship with God is foundational for a life that is both spiritually and physically fulfilling. This fear is not about terror but about awe, respect, and submission to God's will.

Consequences of Wickedness
Highlight that living in opposition to God's ways leads to a life that is often cut short, not just in years but in quality and fulfillment.

Wisdom and Longevity
Encourage the pursuit of wisdom as a means to live a life that is not only long but also meaningful and aligned with God's purposes.

Practical Reverence
Discuss practical ways to cultivate the fear of the LORD in daily life, such as regular prayer, Bible study, and obedience to God's commands.

Contrast and Choice
Present the choice between living a life of righteousness versus wickedness, emphasizing the long-term benefits of choosing God's path.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the fear of the LORD practically influence the decisions you make in your daily life?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God, and how might this impact your overall well-being?

3. Reflect on a time when you witnessed the consequences of wickedness. How did this experience reinforce the truth of Proverbs 10:27?

4. How do other scriptures, such as Ephesians 6:2-3, support the idea that obedience to God leads to a longer, more fulfilling life?

5. What steps can you take to ensure that your life reflects the wisdom and righteousness that Proverbs encourages?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 9:10
This verse highlights that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, establishing a foundational connection between reverence for God and living a wise, prolonged life.

Ecclesiastes 8:12-13
These verses discuss the ultimate fate of the wicked versus the righteous, reinforcing the idea that fearing God leads to a better outcome.

Psalm 34:11-14
This passage encourages seeking peace and pursuing it, linking the fear of the LORD with a life of righteousness and longevity.

Ephesians 6:2-3
Paul references the commandment to honor one's parents, which is associated with a promise of long life, drawing a parallel to the principle of living in obedience to God.
Sermons
Long Life a Promised BlessingAbp. W. C. Magee.Proverbs 10:27
The Fear of the Lord Prolongeth DaysProverbs 10:27
The Service of Speech, EtcW. Clarkson Proverbs 10:8, 10, 11, 14, 18-21, 31, 32
Impression by TautologyE. Johnson Proverbs 10:27-32
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Addeth, Adds, Cut, Evil-doer, Fear, Gives, Length, Prolongeth, Prolongs, Short, Shortened, Wicked
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 10:27

     4016   life, human
     4832   length
     5204   age
     8335   reverence, and blessing
     9023   death, unbelievers

Library
The Two-Fold Aspect of the Divine Working
'The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.'--PROVERBS x. 29. You observe that the words 'shall be,' in the last clause, are a supplement. They are quite unnecessary, and in fact they rather hinder the sense. They destroy the completeness of the antithesis between the two halves of the verse. If you leave them out, and suppose that the 'way of the Lord' is what is spoken of in both clauses, you get a far deeper and fuller meaning. 'The way …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
"He that uttereth slander is a fool."--Prov. x. 18. General declamations against vice and sin are indeed excellently useful, as rousing men to consider and look about them: but they do often want effect, because they only raise confused apprehensions of things, and indeterminate propensions to action; which usually, before men thoroughly perceive or resolve what they should practise, do decay and vanish. As he that cries out "Fire!" doth stir up people, and inspireth them with a kind of hovering …
Isaac Barrow—Sermons on Evil-Speaking, by Isaac Barrow

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
"He that uttereth slander is a fool."--Prov. x. 18. I have formerly in this place, discoursing upon this text, explained the nature of the sin here condemned, with its several kinds and ways of practising. II. I shall now proceed to declare the folly of it; and to make good by divers reasons the assertion of the wise man, that "He who uttereth slander is a fool." 1. Slandering is foolish, as sinful and wicked. All sin is foolish upon many accounts; as proceeding from ignorance, error, inconsiderateness, …
Isaac Barrow—Sermons on Evil-Speaking, by Isaac Barrow

Sanctions of Moral Law, Natural and Governmental.
In the discussion of this subject, I shall show-- I. What constitute the sanctions of law. 1. The sanctions of law are the motives to obedience, the natural and the governmental consequences or results of obedience and of disobedience. 2. They are remuneratory, that is, they promise reward to obedience. 3. They are vindicatory, that is, they threaten the disobedient with punishment. 4. They are natural, that is, happiness is to some extent naturally connected with, and the necessary consequence of, …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S DESIRES. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR As the tree is known by its fruit, so is the state of a man's heart known by his desires. The desires of the righteous are the touchstone or standard of Christian sincerity--the evidence of the new birth--the spiritual barometer of faith and grace--and the springs of obedience. Christ and him crucified is the ground of all our hopes--the foundation upon which all our desires after God and holiness are built--and the root …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Lii. Trust in God.
15th Sunday after Trinity. S. Matt. vi. 31. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness." INTRODUCTION.--We read in ancient Roman history that a general named Aemilius Paulus was appointed to the Roman army in a time of war and great apprehension. He found in the army a sad condition of affairs, there were more officers than fighting men, and all these officers wanted to have their advice taken, and the war conducted in accordance with their several opinions. Then Aemilius Paulus …
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles and of this Miracle of Miracles - views of Negative Criticism on this History
From listening to the teaching of Christ, we turn once more to follow His working. It will be remembered, that the visit to Bethany divides the period from the Feast of the Dedication to the last Paschal week into two parts. It also forms the prelude and preparation for the awful events of the End. For, it was on that occasion that the members of the Sanhedrin formally resolved on His Death. It now only remained to settle and carry out the plans for giving effect to their purpose. This is one aspect …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Christian's Hope
Scripture references: 1 Timothy 1:1; Colossians 1:27; Psalm 130:5; 43:5; Proverbs 10:8; Acts 24:15; Psalm 71:5; Romans 5:1-5; 12:12; 15:4; 1 Corinthians 9:10; Galatians 5:5; Ephesians 1:18; Philippians 1:20; Colossians 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2:19; Titus 1:2; 2:13; 3:7; Psalm 31:24; 71:14,15. HOPE IN THE PRESENT LIFE That which a man ardently hopes for he strives to realize. If he desires fame, office or wealth he will seek to set forces in motion, here and now, which will bring him that which …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

Letter xxxi (A. D. 1132) to the Abbot of a Certain Monastery at York, from which the Prior had Departed, Taking Several Religious with Him.
To the Abbot of a Certain Monastery at York, from Which the Prior Had Departed, Taking Several Religious with Him. [50] 1. You write to me from beyond the sea to ask of me advice which I should have preferred that you had sought from some other. I am held between two difficulties, for if I do not reply to you, you may take my silence for a sign of contempt; but if I do reply I cannot avoid danger, since whatever I reply I must of necessity either give scandal to some one or give to some other a security …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom
Theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 Here is high preferment for the saints. They shall be advanced to a kingdom. There are some who, aspiring after earthly greatness, talk of a temporal reign here, but then God's church on earth would not be militant but triumphant. But sure it is the saints shall reign in a glorious manner: Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.' A kingdom is held the acme and top of all worldly felicity, and this honour have all the saints'; so says our Saviour, Theirs is the …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

How the Simple and the Crafty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 12.) Differently to be admonished are the simple and the insincere. The simple are to be praised for studying never to say what is false, but to be admonished to know how sometimes to be silent about what is true. For, as falsehood has always harmed him that speaks it, so sometimes the hearing of truth has done harm to some. Wherefore the Lord before His disciples, tempering His speech with silence, says, I have many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now (Joh. xvi. 12). …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Letter xv (Circa A. D. 1129) to Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin
To Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin He praises the fatherly gentleness of Alvisus towards Godwin. He excuses himself, and asks pardon for having admitted him. To Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin. [18] 1. May God render to you the same mercy which you have shown towards your holy son Godwin. I know that at the news of his death you showed yourself unmindful of old complaints, and remembering only your friendship for him, behaved with kindness, not resentment, and putting aside the character of judge, showed yourself …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Jesus Heals Multitudes Beside the Sea of Galilee.
^A Matt. XII. 15-21; ^B Mark III. 7-12. ^a 15 And Jesus perceiving it withdrew ^b with his disciples ^a from thence: ^b to the sea [This was the first withdrawal of Jesus for the avowed purpose of self-preservation. After this we find Jesus constantly retiring to avoid the plots of his enemies. The Sea of Galilee, with its boats and its shores touching different jurisdictions, formed a convenient and fairly safe retreat]: ^a and many followed him; ^b and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 15.) Differently to be admonished are the over-silent, and those who spend time in much speaking. For it ought to be insinuated to the over-silent that while they shun some vices unadvisedly, they are, without its being perceived, implicated in worse. For often from bridling the tongue overmuch they suffer from more grievous loquacity in the heart; so that thoughts seethe the more in the mind from being straitened by the violent guard of indiscreet silence. And for the most part they …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and all These Things Shall be Added unto You. "
Matth. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." The perfection even of the most upright creature, speaks always some imperfection in comparison of God, who is most perfect. The heavens, the sun and moon, in respect of lower things here, how glorious do they appear, and without spot! But behold, they are not clean in God's sight! How far are the angels above us who dwell in clay! They appear to be a pure mass of light and …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Proverbs 10:27 NIV
Proverbs 10:27 NLT
Proverbs 10:27 ESV
Proverbs 10:27 NASB
Proverbs 10:27 KJV

Proverbs 10:27 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Proverbs 10:26
Top of Page
Top of Page