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 is not about terror or dread but a deep reverence that brings life, peace, and divine protection. Proverbs 19:23 reveals this powerful truth, showing that when we honour God above all else, we experience true contentment and security. To fear the Lord is to acknowledge His greatness, submit to His wisdom, and live in obedience to His ways. In doing so, we align our lives with His perfect plan and receive the abundant life He promises.
To truly fear the Lord means to hold Him in the highest esteem and recognise His sovereignty and majesty. It is an attitude of the heart that humbly acknowledges His authority while embracing His love. This kind of reverence leads to a life of obedience, where we seek to please God in all we do. As we walk in His ways, we find that He fills our hearts with a satisfaction that the world cannot provide. His peace anchors us in every season, and His joy remains even amid trials.
This verse assures that those who fear the Lord “will not be visited with evil.” This does not mean a life free from hardship, but it does promise divine covering. God becomes our refuge and shield, sustaining us through every challenge. His presence guards us, ensuring that no trouble can truly overcome us. When we honour Him, we trust in His faithfulness, knowing that He works all things for our good.
The life of Job illustrates this truth. He feared the Lord and turned away from evil, yet he faced intense suffering. Despite his trials, he remained steadfast in reverence for God. In the end, the Lord restored him, blessing him far beyond what he had lost. Job’s story is a testament to the faithfulness of God and the reward of fearing Him. Even in suffering, those who honour God will find ultimate fulfilment and restoration.
Proverbs 3:7-8 reinforces this principle: “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” Revering God brings spiritual and even physical well-being. It calls us to humility, reminding us that true wisdom is found in surrendering to God’s ways rather than relying on our own understanding.
In today’s world, many grow complacent in their walk with God, treating His grace lightly. The fear of the Lord is often replaced with familiarity, and reverence is lost. Yet, scripture calls us back to awe and honour. When we truly fear the Lord, we live in the fullness of His peace, satisfaction, and protection.
Let us not take His grace for granted. Instead, may we embrace the fear of the Lord as an invitation to deeper obedience, greater intimacy, and unshakable security in Him. In living a life of reverence, we will walk in His blessings, rest in His peace, and find true fulfilment in His presence.