1. Whoever fears the Lord is secure (18-26)

To fear the Lord means to walk before God rather than before men. To fear the Lord is to honor and serve him. When we fear God, our lives become secure. We can make prudent choices based on sound knowledge (18). We are so blessed that even our enemies recognize us (19). We become prosperous and give generously to the poor (20-21, 23-24). When we fear the Lord, we make plans that lead us to goodness, love and faithfulness (22). We give the truth that saves others (25). The fear of the Lord becomes literally a fortress around us, and our children are also blessed and secure in his love and protection (26).

2. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life (27-35)

The fear of God leads us to eternal life welling up in our souls like a fountain. The fear of God saves us from the snares of sin and death that prey upon our souls (27). The fear of the Lord leads us to glory, patience, great understanding, peace, a deeper humanity, and a living hope (28-32). The fear of the Lord instills us with divine wisdom (33). With the fear of God, we can overcome death, sin, and condemnation (27, 32, 34-35).