As is clear from the first part of the book, Proverbs 1:1 – 9:18, the fear of the Lord is the basis of all wisdom. On the one hand, the fear of the Lord works preventatively. In many cases it will prevent one from falling into poverty, disgrace, conflict, sickness, and stress (see Proverbs 3:1–35, for example). On the other hand, it brings life and happiness in many areas. Some of these areas that are mentioned in Proverbs are marriage, the family, business, societal life, health, sleep and income.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.