The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be cut short.
Parallel translations
- WEB The fear of Yahweh prolongs days, but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
- KJV The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
- ESV The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.
- NKJV The fear of the Lord prolongs days, But the years of the wicked will be shortened.
- NASB The fear of the Lord prolongs life, But the years of the wicked will be shortened.
- NLT Fear of the Lord lengthens one’s life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Reverent fear of the Lord lengthens life, while wickedness cuts it short. Living in awe of God leads to flourishing, but rebellion toward Him brings ruin.
Overview
This proverb expresses the general principle that reverence for God orders life toward blessing and longevity, while wickedness invites self-destruction. As wisdom literature it states a tendency, not an absolute promise for every case. The fullness of the life it points to is found in Christ, who gives eternal life to those who fear and trust God.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 12
- Prov 9:11For through wisdom your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.
- Prov 3:2for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life.
- Ps 91:16With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.”
- Job 15:32–33It will be paid in full before his time, and his branch will not flourish.
- Ps 34:11–13Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
- Ps 21:4He asked You for life, and You granted it—length of days, forever and ever.
- Job 22:15–16Will you stay on the ancient path that wicked men have trod?
- Luke 12:20But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’
- Ps 55:23But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.
- Prov 3:16Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
- Eccl 7:17Do not be excessively wicked, and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time?
- Jer 17:11Like a partridge hatching eggs it did not lay is the man who makes a fortune unjustly. In the middle of his days his riches will desert him, and in the end he will be the fool.”
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Wisdom personified, with God before creation and the agent of all things, anticipates Christ 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom' — the wisdom of God made flesh.
How Proverbs 10:27 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.