This verse is in the context of the much better known Proverbs 9:10.
(Proverbs 9:10 KJV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.Proper fear and genuine knowledge lead to wisdom and understanding. The “me” in this verse is Wisdom speaking. If we have wisdom, our lives will be longer.
This seems to be a promise, not just a principle. There is much we cannot know about a promise like this. We don’t have access to data and hearts to see how this is applied. We don’t know the mind of God is such a way as to know when He is making exceptions, long or short. It seems to imply that those who fear the Lord will live longer.
Possibly this is an individual promise, not a group promise. What does that mean? That I as in individual will have my days “multiplied” (7235a) beyond what my days may have been, not beyond what your days would have been. So if my time would have been 65 years and your would have been 85 years, if wisdom extends my life to 75 years my days are multiplied even though I still live less time than you. We need to avoid looking and comparing when we don’t know all the facts.
As I look at the listing for “multiplied” it strikes me that this could be a quality multiplier not just a numerical one. We will live more of life and know more of its quality in addition to having days “added” (3254). Another thought along these lines is that the “years of life” extend into eternity.
So? Live in the promise. Live in the wisdom that is based in the fear and the knowledge of God. Longer and better life is the result. It is a promise.
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