Topical Bible: Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Days of, Prolonged

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Godly fear, often understood as a reverent awe and respect for the Lord, is a recurring theme in the Bible. It is associated with wisdom, obedience, and the blessings of a prolonged life. The Scriptures emphasize that those who possess godly fear are granted not only spiritual insight but also tangible benefits, including the extension of their days on earth.

Proverbs 10:27 highlights the direct correlation between the fear of the Lord and longevity: "The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened" . This verse underscores the belief that a life lived in reverence to God is marked by His favor, which includes the blessing of extended days.

Proverbs 9:10-11 further elaborates on this principle: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life" . Here, the fear of the Lord is linked to wisdom, which in turn leads to a multiplication of days. The passage suggests that godly fear is foundational to a life that is both wise and enduring.

The narrative of Job provides a practical example of this principle. Job is described as a man who "feared God and shunned evil" (Job 1:1). Despite the severe trials he faced, Job's life was ultimately blessed with restoration and longevity: "After this, Job lived 140 years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation" (Job 42:16). Job's account illustrates that godly fear, even amidst suffering, can lead to a prolonged and fulfilled life.

In the New Testament, the concept of godly fear is echoed in the teachings of the apostles. 1 Peter 3:10-12 advises believers: "For, 'Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are inclined to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil'" . This passage connects the fear of the Lord with righteous living, which results in the enjoyment of good days.

The Psalms also reflect this theme. Psalm 34:11-14 invites believers to learn the fear of the Lord, promising that it leads to a life of blessing: "Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Who is the man who delights in life, who desires to see good days? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it" . The psalmist assures that those who cultivate godly fear will experience a life marked by divine favor and extended days.

In summary, the Bible consistently presents godly fear as a virtue that not only enriches one's spiritual life but also brings about the practical blessing of prolonged days. Through reverence and obedience to God, believers are promised a life that is both abundant and enduring.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 10:27
The fear of the LORD prolongs days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Miracle of Grace
... Oh! that our land may be so godly that no respect for ... He ruled his subjects in the
fear of the Lord; and ... on, brethren and sisters, pray on for those whose sins ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/a miracle of grace.htm

Prophecies Fulfilled.
... In the fear of God they had studied the Scriptures ... cause us to live soberly, righteously,
and godly, in this ... and those who were looking for the Lord afflicted ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /22 prophecies fulfilled.htm

Prophecies Fulfilled
... In the fear of God they had studied the Scriptures ... cause us to live soberly, righteously,
and godly, in this ... and those who were looking for the Lord afflicted ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 22 prophecies fulfilled.htm

Letter xi. --For 339. Coss. Constantius Augustus ii, Constans I ...
... with godliness, the Apostle says, And all those who will live godly in Jesus ... not
befall every man in this world, but only those who have a holy fear of Him ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xi for 339 coss constantius.htm

A Last Look-Out
... the way along: go down into it and fear not. ... death seemed to come suddenly to the
godly merchant, he ... There are those who will evidently go; disease has set in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/a last look-out.htm

A Sermon for the Time Present
... that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not ... is taken." The bitterest pain
of this godly woman was ... Those who have a tender heart towards the church can ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 33 1887/a sermon for the time.htm

One Thing is Needful;
... me anywhere than here; Lord, fill me always with thy holy fear, And godly jealousy
of ... thee say, Is how thou mayst attain without delay, Those blessed graces ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/one thing is needful.htm

Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
... valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil ... even forced to do him
service,"when the godly think of ... Those who think so labour under delusion as to the ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 use to be.htm

After Eutropius Having Been Found Outside the Church had Been ...
... Fear not the devices of a potentate, but fear the power ... "I am jealous over you with
a godly jealousy." What ... for those who are feebler: I commend those who have ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily ii after eutropius having.htm

Psalm L.
... from the faithful every unreality; from godly men and ... words were said, lest they
should fear that hear ... of whom I am chief." [1801] Further, those Jews, boasting ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm l.htm