Proverbs 10:24 “The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.”
Many people today, including scientists, are working hard to find the secret of how to live longer. Generally, the findings so far are rather short, with the list being about eight things.
The one thing that seems to have been forgotten is one’s relationship to God. People who openly live in sin often find their life cut short.
The above verse says that “the fear of the Lord” is one ingredient that common lists leave out. This “fear of the Lord” means having a healthy respect for God and His ways – as given in the Bible.
The “fear of the Lord” means that you need to be saved first. It is more than just having a religion. You must be born again.
Christians having a right “fear of the Lord” often live longer because Christ gives an internal peace that is greater than the world gives. They can also cast their burdens on Him in prayer, and He promises answers, resulting in less stress.
The fear of the Lord also has another very beneficial result – health. Proverbs 3:7,8 says: “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.”
A believer can know when they have a right “fear of the Lord” when they hate sin, as the above verse says. Living for the Lord has many benefits – including a long life. Those who choose to live in sin will reap the consequences.