“The fear of the Lord prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened” (Proverbs 10:27).
Living the way God desires you to live—i.e. righteously—is purposefully enriched by Him with many blessings. Though it is not the primary focus of Scripture, a common byproduct of living a righteous life is health and longevity.
Because the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:11), and wise people are good stewards of their bodies, the righteous often enjoy good health and longevity.
Because the fear of the Lord is to depart from evil (Proverbs 3:7), sinful behavior—such as promiscuity, addiction, or any of the other works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21)—is avoided, thus increasing the probability of peace of mind, good health, and longevity.
Because the fear of the Lord teaches to shun evil companions (1 Corinthians 15:33), righteous people do not associate with bloodthirsty, violent, and dangerous men, thus decreasing the likelihood of dying young (Psalm 55:23).
Because the fear of the Lord requires a proper respect for and obedience to domestic and civil authorities, righteous people do not engage in illegal and evil recreation, thus improving their opportunity for a healthy and long life (Ephesians 6:1-3).
Clearly, “the fear of the Lord is a fountain of life to turn one away from the snares of death” (Proverbs 14:27).
