Blog - Proverbs 1:33

If you like this blog, then you will like Get Wisdom, Get Understanding which is Pastor Wagner's commentary on Proverbs chapter 1 which is available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle. Find out more here. For all the blogs in this series, click here: Proverbs Commentary. Proverbs 1:33 "But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil." (Pro 1:33)

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The LORD here concludes His rebuke and warning of the simple, who would not hear, with a word of encouragement to those who will. These last words of wisdom's discourse were not addressed to the prating fools that fell, but to "the wise in heart [who] will receive commandments" (Pro 10:8). The simple ones, who themselves are not hardhearted, ear-stopping fools, will consider the dire judgment of their peers and will be instructed and admonished thereby.

Pro 19:25 - Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
Pro 21:11 - When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely. Safety is one of the most cherished human needs. An unsafe place or situation breeds fear, and "fear hath torment" (1Jo 4:18). To dwell safely is to live "without harm or injury occasioned or received" (OED). This most valuable and sought after commodity of safety is obtained, not by purchasing a gun or a home security system, but simply by hearkening unto wisdom's cry. If a Christian struggles with fear and feelings of insecurity, the antidote to that torment is to "keep sound wisdom and discretion" by reading the word of God and trusting in Him which will allow him to walk through this world safely and without fear.

Pro 3:21 - My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: Pro 3:22 - So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. Pro 3:23 - Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. Pro 3:24 - When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Pro 3:25 - Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. Pro 3:26 - For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

The Almighty's promise of dwelling safely isn't a guarantee that trouble will never come, but rather that the LORD will bring us through the trouble unscathed as He did for Israel when He brought them out of the land of Egypt and "led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies" (Psa 78:53). In addition to living in safety, one of the deepest desires of a Christian is (or at least should be) to "lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (1Ti 2:2). Quiet is to be "free from disturbance, molestation, or annoyance; not interfered or meddled with; left in peace" (OED). The one simple step necessary for reaching this goal of a quiet life, free from disturbance and full of peace, is the same that ensured safe dwelling: hearkening unto wisdom. Christians should read the scriptures and "study to be quiet" (1Th 4:11); and when they do so they will learn how to live righteously by keeping the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ, "and the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places" (Isa 32:17-18). Hearkening unto the encouragement, instruction, and rebuke of God's word gives safety, peace, and quietness; and "when he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble?" (Job 34:29).

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