“The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked are cut short” - Proverbs 10:27
The proverb is not absolute. It doesn’t guarantee a perfect outcome. Proverbs are general statements of truth, much like a doctor telling a patient to follow guidelines for good health. Yes, careful people get sick, but avoiding risks is wise behavior for avoiding unhealthy consequences. We know poor diet, lack of exercise, hazardous activity, and ingesting harmful agents are harmful to the body, so it makes sense that their opposites help the body. The same is true for following wise advice. Yes, good people get in trouble and evil people escape trouble. But avoiding people, places and choices that are prone to trouble is wise behavior. Not all drunk drivers are caught, but many are. Sober drivers may get stopped, but not because they’re drunk. King Solomon is giving sound counsel that will benefit us.
It’s important to understand a proverb’s purpose; it’s also important to understand its language so we don’t miss the blessings God intended for us. The fear of God is not a shaking in our boots or a feeling of terror whirling inside us. To fear God is to respect Him & trust Him. Our desire should be that our words, thoughts and actions follow His instruction, so we can enjoy His goodness. Here are 3 suggestions to get us started on this journey:
First, we should not act like we know it all. “You do not know the path of the wind, how bones are formed in the womb, you do not know the activity of God.” Ecclesiastes 11:5. We’re not intended nor qualified to be the answer person to life’s issues & mysteries. Some folks (including us preachers) need to get over ourselves and stop being impressed with our own wisdom. Instead, fear (respect, honor, trust) the Lord that we will gain renewed health and vitality. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-8.
Second, realize it’s not what we know but who we know that matters. From the bottoms of our feet to the tops of our heads, we should love the Lord our God with all our heart, all our soul, all our strength, and all our mind.
Third, living by faith is not a spectator sport. As a wise old preacher said, “Activate, don’t vegetate.” It’s not a pick & choose activity. When it comes to loving others, we don’t pick favorites. We simply obey, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” (By the way – The Best Team Ever does this very well!)
And remember, you are greatly loved!
–Jackie Chesnutt, Chaplain and Emotional Support Coach for Myers-Davis (1/5/2026)
