Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD tends to life: and he that has it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. Godliness has "the promise of the life that now is." It might have been otherwise. Infinite Benevolence would have His saints to be happy. As God is the source of all happiness in heaven, so all contact with God brings happiness here. I. THE FEAR OF THE LORD. Not that dread of God that is in a sense innate in every unconverted and unregenerate soul, nor that dread which comes into the heart of man when the Holy Spirit opens up the law of God to him, nor the dread that comes into the heart of an unfaithful and backsliding Christian. This is the fear of a child, wrought in the soul by the Spirit. This fear comes from a view of Jesus, from a sight of God in Christ. II. GREAT BLESSINGS CONNECTED WITH THIS FEAR. 1. This fear tendeth to life; that is, to prolong life, and that a true life. 2. He that hath it shall abide satisfied. There is some satisfaction in lower things, but not abiding satisfaction. Everything connected with the service of God has an unutterable blessing in it. 3. He shall not be visited with evil. Though there may come to him a thousand things that seem only evil, not one real evil shall befall him. (J. H. Evans, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.WEB: The fear of Yahweh leads to life, then contentment; he rests and will not be touched by trouble. |
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