“Abide Satisfied”

“The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it (the fear of the LORD) shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.” Proverbs 19:23

“The fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.” NKJV Proverbs 19:23

Sometimes, fear has reference to terror inspired by danger (Psalm 56:4). However, quite often, scripture speaks of “reverence,” particularly for God, as “Showing respect for the LORD…”  “Respect the LORD…” (ERV) (Proverbs 19:23).

In our verse, scripture teaches that reverence for the LORD leads to life. The italicized word tendeth in the OKJ means to watch out and care for; to manage. Just as a shepherd would tend his sheep by watching out and caring for them, one who fears the LORD, shepherds his or her life. This leads to eternal life. Living this life with eternity in view allows us to abide satisfied while occupying our earthly tent despite the circumstances we may face. When I find myself unsatisfied with where I am in life, I can point the finger only at myself. I should abide satisfied irrespective of my circumstances, if, the tending of my life is influenced by my reverence for GOD. Our Proverb teaches that one who has the fear of the LORD shall not be visited with evil. This does not mean that we will be free of heartaches and tragedies. Sickness comes to all regardless of our standing with GOD. One who fears the LORD, is not exempt from oppression and persecution in life under the sun. However, the one who fears the LORD, lives satisfied knowing that he or she shall not be overcome with evil. Why? The one who lives with reverence for the LORD, does not consider themselves home but rather on a journey there. Therefore, we abide satisfied, knowing that despite how great the trial may be, there is a home, sweet home up in heaven that awaits us some sweet day. Fear the LORD and abide satisfied.

2nd Corinthians 4:17-5:1