What does Proverbs 1:33 mean?

The Bible is not naïve about the world we live in. Proverbs, as a book of wisdom, is meant to be viewed in context with the rest of the Bible. Ecclesiastes explores the observations of a man who sees that good and evil deeds are not always—perfectly, at all times—associated with positive or negative results. The book of Job agonizes over the unfairness of life and human experience. At the same time, just as the statements in the book of Proverbs are meant to be general, the theme is general, as well. Those who ignore wisdom may or may not experience disaster right now, but they will, inescapably, pay a price for their actions.

Likewise, this verse seems to acknowledge that the way of the wise is a hard road, in its own way. It is often traveled alone. It means resisting the seduction of sin. But those who are wise rest in the security of the Lord. They have no reason to fear the eternal disaster awaiting those who ignore God. And, they are far more likely to experience joy, peace, and success in this mortal life.