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. 

‘The fear of the LORD.’  The phrase means reverence, awe, and submission to God, a recognition of His holiness, authority, and majesty. It is not mere dread but a loving respect that produces obedience. This “fear” is the foundation of wisdom (1:7; 9:10).

The fear of the LORD is not a burden but a blessing. It leads to [1] Life – eternal and abundant (14:27; John 17:3) – it directs a person away from sin and toward God’s way of salvation. Reverence for God opens the heart to faith, repentance, and ultimately life everlasting. [2] Peace – inner contentment (Ps. 34:9-10; Php. 4:11-13) – Fear of the LORD brings contentment and peace of soul. Godly fear anchors the heart in God’s sufficiency, freeing one from restless craving. [3] Safety – freedom from destructive evil (16:6; Ps. 91:9-10). The sense is protection from ultimate harm, not necessarily freedom from trials, but from destructive consequences and divine judgment. Godly fear restrains sin, shields from satan’s snares, and keeps one safe in God’s will.

Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. 

‘The fear of the LORD.’ Fourteen blessings of the Fear of the Lord: It is the beginning of wisdom (1:7; 9:10). It shapes one’s eternal destiny (1:29). It helps a person turn away from evil (3:7; 16:6). It causes hatred of evil (8:13). It prolongs life (10:27). It brings strong confidence (14:26). It is a fountain of life (14:27). It leads to contentment (15:16). It provides instruction in wisdom (15:33). It leads to true life (19:23). It brings riches, honour, and life (22:4). It frees from envy (23:17). It results in blessing and prosperity (Eccl. 8:12; Isa. 33:6). It is marked by humility (Isa. 2:10-21).

‘Before honour is humility.’ Five examples of humility before honour: Joseph – Humbled through slavery and prison before being exalted as ruler (Gen. 39:1-41:57). Gideon acknowledged his lowliness before leading Israel to victory (Jud. 6:15). Daniel – Honoured by God after giving Him all the credit (Dan. 2:30-48). Hananiah – Known for his faithfulness and reverence before being entrusted with leadership (Neh. 7:2). Jesus Christ – Humbled Himself completely before being exalted above all (Php. 2:5-11).

David also stands as a powerful example of humility. Though he was a gifted musician, warrior, commander, king, prophet, and psalmist, he never exalted himself. Instead, he called himself a lowly servant and the son of a mere handmaid of the Lord (Ps. 116:16).

This stands in sharp contrast to many modern leaders who boast of titles, degrees, and spiritual credentials to gain admiration. Unless one is compelled to speak of their gifts, as Paul was out of necessity (2Cor. 11:16-28), it is far better to take the humble path, lifting up Christ rather than self. After all, the Holy Spirit Himself always glorifies Jesus (John 16:13-15).

We are commanded to walk in all lowliness of mind (Eph. 4:2; Acts 20:19; 1Pet. 5:5).

Any form of worship that is chosen by man, apart from true worship of God, is empty (Rom. 1:21-25). Even when such worship appears refined, humble, or ascetic, it lacks the power to conquer sin and the old nature. These forms only feed pride and self-righteousness; they do not change the heart.

Proverbs 14:26-27 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. 

Four blessings of the fear of God: Strong confidence (14:26). A place of refuge – security. Eternal life (14:27). Holiness of life and conduct. To depart from evil through the fear of God is to obtain eternal life.

Seven examples of strong confidence: Abraham (Gen. 22:3-10; Heb. 11:19). David (1Sam. 30:6). Hezekiah (2Chr. 32:7-8, 22). Three Hebrew children (Dan. 3:17-27). Habakkuk (Hab. 3:17-19). Peter (Acts 12:6). Paul (2Tim. 4:6-8).

To fear the LORD thy God is not because of the dread of a vengeful Being ready to punish man for the least infraction of His law. Rather, it has to do with respect and reverence for God as Father and Benefactor. Men must learn to respect God as the Lawgiver and Judge, keeping in mind the justice of God as well as His mercy and longsuffering. No man can walk with Him safely who has lost the fear of God.

Feared God [Hebrew: yare’] to revere; be afraid of; to have deep respect for (Job 1:1; Ex. 9:20; 1Kin. 18:3; 2Kin. 17:32-34, 41). True religion in Scripture is often represented as the fear of God (Pro. 1:7, 29; 2:5; 8:13; 14:26-27; Isa. 11:2; Acts 9:31).

Four things the fear of God is the hatred of: Evil, evil ways, arrogance and pride.

Proverbs 8:12-14 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. 

‘Prudence’ is defined here as practical wisdom, or wisdom in action, choosing the best means to an end. Hence, witty (shrewd, practical) inventions.

‘The fear of the LORD is to hate evil.’ To depart from evil through the fear of God is to obtain eternal life (14:27). Four things the fear of God is the hatred of- Evil, the evil way, arrogance and pride.

There are four blessings of the fear of God: Strong confidence (14:26). A place of refuge – security. Eternal life (14:27). Holiness of life and conduct.

Fourteen blessings of the fear of the Lord: Is the beginning of wisdom (1:7; 9:10). Determines destiny (1:29). Helps to depart from evil (3:7; 16:6). Is to hate evil (8:13). Prolongs days (10:27). Gives strong confidence (14:26). Is a fountain of life (14:27). Produces satisfaction (15:16). Is the instruction of wisdom (15:33). Tends to life (19:23). Gives riches, honour, and life (22:4). Brings freedom from envy (23:17). Brings blessing and prosperity (Eccl. 8:12; Isa. 33:6). Involves humility (Isa. 2:10-21).

‘Fear’ [Hebrew: yir’ah] religious reverence. By the mercy and truth of God, atonement for sin is made and iniquity is purged; through fear of Him, men depart from sin (John 16:6; Tit. 3:5).

‘Hate evil’ – A man may outwardly depart from evil yet love it in his heart, but to hate it he must have divine wisdom. By nature men love evil (Jer. 17:9; Matt. 7:17; 15:19; John 3:19; Rom. 3:10-18; 8:7-8; 2Cor. 2:14; Eph. 2:2-12; 4:17-22).

‘Froward mouth’ – A perverse mouth is referred to in a threefold way: Froward speaking (2:12). Froward mouth (4:24; 6:12). Perverse lips (4:24).

‘Sound wisdom’ [Hebrew: tuwshiyah] stability; essence; substance; reality. From it come all inventions and knowledge of all sciences known to man. Translated as “wisdom” (Job 6:13; 12:16; Pro. 2:7; 3:21; 8:14; 18:1; Mic. 6:9); “enterprise” (Job 5:12); “that which is” (Job 11:6); “the thing as it is” (Job 26:3); “substance” (Job 30:22); and “working” (Isa. 28:29).