Proverbs 1:33 (Mini Sermon)

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33. Pro 1:33 - "But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil." A. The LORD concludes His rebuke and warning of the simple who would not hear with a word of encouragement to those who will. i. 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). ii. 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; Pro 21:11). B. But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely. i. Safety is one of the most cherished human needs. a. An unsafe place or situation breeds fear which is tormenting (1Jo 4:18). b. Safely adv. - Without harm or injury occasioned or received. c. 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. d. 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 3:21-26). ii. God's promise of dwelling safely isn't a guarantee that trouble will never come. a. Trouble will come (Joh 16:33). b. But the LORD will bring us through the trouble 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). iii. 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). a. Quiet n. - II. 3. Free from disturbance, molestation, or annoyance; not interfered or meddled with; left in peace. a. of a state, condition, procedure, etc. Phr. anything for a quiet life: b. 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. c. Christians should read the scriptures and "study to be quiet" (1Th 4:11). d. When they do so they will learn how to live righteously by keeping the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ which will result in peace and quietness (Isa 32:17-18). e. 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).