Fearing the LORD grants a life marked by deep security and confident rest.
Proverbs 19:23 declares, “The fear of the LORD leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.” (Proverbs 19:23) Here, the concept of “fear of the LORD” refers to a deep reverence and awe for God, a realization that His ways and commandments offer the best possible path for human flourishing. To fear the LORD means to submit our own limited understanding, and instead trust His wisdom. Such a posture, the verse promises, leads to life—encompassing both the physical aspects of well-being and the spiritual dimension of walking in God’s design. This promise also includes the assurance that one can rest securely, “untouched by evil,” because a healthy devotion to God keeps us from straying into destructive ways.
The Hebrew word commonly translated as “fear” involves reverential respect and obedience rather than terror. The writer of Proverbs reminds us elsewhere that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10), meaning that the foundation for wise and fruitful living starts with recognizing God’s authority. When individuals center their lives upon God’s goodness and moral guidance, they often receive peace and protection that transcends mere external circumstances. This verse foreshadows the sort of spiritual rest Jesus promises to those who follow Him (Matthew 11:28-30), indicating that genuine life is ultimately found in daily surrender to God’s ways.
Throughout Scripture, revering God is portrayed as the catalyst for true transformation, prompting us to avoid sin and serve others in love. It calls us to embrace humility, prioritize heavenly treasure (Matthew 6:19-21), and care for our neighbors, all of which stem from honoring God above ourselves. This type of reverence offers a profound peace—so that one’s conscience rests in God’s sustaining power rather than personal achievements or external guarantees.
Set to dark mode
Proverbs 19:23 meaning
Proverbs 19:23 declares, “The fear of the LORD leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.” (Proverbs 19:23) Here, the concept of “fear of the LORD” refers to a deep reverence and awe for God, a realization that His ways and commandments offer the best possible path for human flourishing. To fear the LORD means to submit our own limited understanding, and instead trust His wisdom. Such a posture, the verse promises, leads to life—encompassing both the physical aspects of well-being and the spiritual dimension of walking in God’s design. This promise also includes the assurance that one can rest securely, “untouched by evil,” because a healthy devotion to God keeps us from straying into destructive ways.
The Hebrew word commonly translated as “fear” involves reverential respect and obedience rather than terror. The writer of Proverbs reminds us elsewhere that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10), meaning that the foundation for wise and fruitful living starts with recognizing God’s authority. When individuals center their lives upon God’s goodness and moral guidance, they often receive peace and protection that transcends mere external circumstances. This verse foreshadows the sort of spiritual rest Jesus promises to those who follow Him (Matthew 11:28-30), indicating that genuine life is ultimately found in daily surrender to God’s ways.
Throughout Scripture, revering God is portrayed as the catalyst for true transformation, prompting us to avoid sin and serve others in love. It calls us to embrace humility, prioritize heavenly treasure (Matthew 6:19-21), and care for our neighbors, all of which stem from honoring God above ourselves. This type of reverence offers a profound peace—so that one’s conscience rests in God’s sustaining power rather than personal achievements or external guarantees.