Proverbs 1:33 – But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
It seems as if those who fail to “give heed” to wisdom are increasing in our day. Even among those who claim to follow and worship Him, are many who are more interested in their own views than in God’s. When God’s proscriptions contradict their own they claim a “mis-translation” or a bad interpretation of the His Word. It can’t be that they are wrong.
The amazing thing is that such a holy God continues to strive with us, to reach out to us and love us. Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Still, there is a consequence for continued rebellion against God (Proverbs 1:28-32). When we repeatedly reject the counsel of God, when we “hate (true) knowledge” and fail to fear the Lord, consequences come. Note, it is not that God unilaterally sends punishment, but that the consequences of their actions, the “fruit of their ways” come to them. How man would love to “blame God” for his own actions. Refusing to acknowledge God’s ways as superior, nor his own actions as rebellion, he doesn’t turn to God in repentance pleading for mercy and grace. Instead his heart continues in rebellion and stubbornness and he begins to eat the fruit of His rebellion. It is their own “waywardness” and “complacency” which destroy them.
There are some who are proud about doing things “their way” and boast that they will “step up to the plate” and take what consequences may come. They don’t have a clue! They can’t know the extremity of their position nor the consequences about to be placed on them.
But for those who love and fear the Lord, who heed wisdom it is very different (Proverbs 1:33). It doesn’t matter what happens around us, we will receive His protection and safety. While it is true that we have tribulation in this life, God transforms it for our good – to shape us into his image and for the benefit of His kingdom. It is by this very means that we come to maturity and experience the character of Jesus (fruit of the Spirit) built into our lives. We can live in confidence, without fear of harm because He who is Wisdom itself has come to us, to protect and deliver us, to keep us from harm.
Thank you Lord Jesus for your care and provision. Grant that we might love You and seek Your wisdom. Help us to turn from our own wisdom and ways, to repent of them as sin, and claim your grace and provision. Help us to genuinely be the body of Christ on this earth that we might be your ambassadors, properly represent you, extend the Kingdom of God and bring honor to the Father. Amen!
