Orderly Sleep

(Pro 19:23 KJV) The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

A healthy “fear” (3374) lets us “abide” (sleep NASB) (3885a) “satisfied” (7649).  It makes sense.  Not only are we safe, but we are sound.  A greater fear minimizes our minor fears.  When I am worried about cancer I don’t spend a lot of time focused on a late library book.

I wonder if this is the “sleep” (3885a) of death.  One reason that might be the reference is that “satisfied” (7649) is predominately used of someone who dies at an old age and with a satisfying life behind them.  It would be saying that the fear of the Lord is necessary for eternal life.  If we fear God we do not need to fear death.

I still prefer it as a reference to our daily routine though. 

So?  Fear of God puts things in perspective and in order.  That can give a foundation of peace in any situation.