Proverbs 10:27 states, “The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.” This verse teaches that fearing God can lead to a longer life. But what does it mean to “fear the Lord”? And how does this fear connect to longevity?
In the Bible, the “fear of the Lord” does not refer to being scared of God, but rather having reverence, awe, and respect for Him. It is recognizing God’s supreme power and position, and submitting to His authority in one’s life. A God-fearing person desires to please God and do what He commands.
There are several ways that fearing God can potentially contribute to a longer life:
1. Avoiding destructive behaviors
Those who fear God strive to avoid behaviors that displease Him or harm themselves and others. For example, they are less likely to engage in harmful vices like drunkenness, violence, greed, and sexual immorality. Avoiding such destructive behaviors can help prolong one’s life.
Proverbs 14:27 states that “the fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.” Fearing God provides moral direction that helps people make wise choices that lead to life rather than choices that lead to harm and premature death.
2. Managing stress and anxiety
Fearing God involves trusting in His sovereignty and goodness. This provides a sense of comfort and security for believers. Rather than being anxious, they can cast their cares upon God and find peace in Him (1 Peter 5:7, Philippians 4:6-7). Learning to manage stress and anxiety in this biblical way has health benefits.
Scientific studies show that chronic stress and anxiety takes a physical toll and can lead to premature aging. Being able to rest in God’s control reduces worry and its effects on one’s body.
3. Finding meaning and purpose
Fearing God gives life meaning beyond just material success or pleasure. It frames life as having eternal significance and purpose. This provides hope and satisfaction that supports mental health and resilience.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 declares, “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment.” A God-centered life emphasizes doing good works in light of eternity.
Studies correlate purpose and meaning with longevity. Lacking purpose can lead to hopelessness and even premature death. Fearing God provides an eternal perspective that infuses daily life with meaning.
4. Promoting healthy habits
In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul writes that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and we should honor God with them. This motivates believers to care for their bodies through rest, nutrition and exercise. Studies show these healthy habits contribute to longer lifespans.
Also, those who fear God avoid excess food and alcohol, which in moderation are gifts from God, but in excess can be destructive. As Proverbs 23:29-21 warns, overindulgence leads to poverty, sorrow, strife, complaints, and wounds without cause.
5. Developing strong relationships
Participating in a faith community provides social support and relationships that benefit longevity. Scientific studies show that strong social ties promote health and longevity.
Those who fear God also build strong marriages and families. This provides emotional support and practical help, especially later in life. Research confirms that marriage is associated with greater longevity.
6. Finding hope in the resurrection
While fearing God can prolong natural life, its blessings extend beyond earthly existence. Believers have hope in the resurrection to eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:50-58).
This hope sustains them amid illness and as death approaches. While lack of hope can lead to giving up on life prematurely, hope in Christ provides strength to persevere through suffering. Belief in eternal life also helps relativize earthly troubles that otherwise may shorten life due to stress.
7. Receiving divine protection
Psalm 91 promises that those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High and make God their refuge will have long life. They are shielded from deadly pestilence and plague. Angels guard them and keep them from even dashing their foot on a stone.
While divine protection is not a guarantee against all harm, Scripture teaches that God watches over those who revere Him. He sovereignly works to preserve their lives against potential threats that could cut life short.
Of course, godly people still face sickness and dangers that can lead to death. But God’s providential care may shield them from many potential threats and bless them with unexpected longevity.
8. Obtaining wise counsel
The Bible contains God’s wise counsel on how to live. Those who fear God shape their lives according to biblical principles and commands. This guides them in wise ways that can lead to longevity and prosperity.
Proverbs 3:1-2 states, “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.” Internalizing God’s wisdom provides wise counsel that blesses life.
9. Benefiting from divine healing
James 5:14-15 instructs those who are sick to call for the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. It promises, “The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.”
While divine healing is not guaranteed, God is able to work miraculously. There are testimonies where revering and trusting God has led to healing from terminal illnesses. In this way, fearing God can restore health and prolong life.
However, this divine protection and healing remain under God’s sovereign will. The godly still experience sickness and danger. But they can trust God’s purposes and timing as the Master Healer and Protector.
10. Motivating preventative care
Fearing God motivates believers to properly steward their health as an act of honoring God. This includes exercising, eating nutritious food, avoiding excesses that harm the body, and seeking medical care.
Preventative care and early diagnosis of illness gives the best chance for treatment leading to longevity. Scripture does not condemn medicine, only improper trust in it over God (2 Chron. 16:12). Out of reverence for God, believers take advantage of medical resources God provides.
11. Prioritizing eternal rewards over earthly ones
Fearing God orients believers to store up eternal treasures rather than build earthly kingdoms. This entails serving others, loving sacrificially, and giving generously based on Jesus’ example. Such investing in heaven de-prioritizes amassing wealth and power on earth.
Studies show that obsessively pursuing worldly success often leads to chronic stress and questionable ethics that can undermine health and longevity. Fearing God brings balance by focusing on heavenly rewards over earthly gain (Matthew 6:19-21).
12. Valuing all life as sacred
God condemns murder because He values life made in His image (Genesis 9:6). This positive view of life leads believers to protect and care for themselves and others. It impacts choices from abortion to personal healthcare to medical ethics and beyond.
When we see all lives as sacred – the poor, disabled, marginalized – we are motivated to help ensure care to preserve and lengthen life. Biblical values translate into actions that uphold the sanctity of life.
So in summary, fearing God contributes to longevity by providing overarching life purpose, avoiding destructive behaviors, managing stress through divine peace, promoting healthy habits and relationships, providing eternal hope amid suffering, granting wisdom and protection, enabling healing in answer to prayer, and motivating preventative care and care for others. Of course, there are exceptions, but generally revering God grants blessings that prolong life.
That said, we must balance God’s sovereignty. Long life comes under His wise providence. But what matters most is cultivating character to glorify God. Some righteous people die young, while some wicked live long. Ultimately, longevity allows more time to serve God but is no substitute for revering Him.
Proverbs 10:27 reminds that fearing God generally prolongs life, while wickedness leads to early death. But God’s people accept His timing over clinging to earthly longevity. What matters most is honoring God each day through righteous living empowered by His Spirit. This brings true life, whether short or long on earth.