Proverbs 1:33 - Printer Friendly

ESV: but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

NIV: but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.'

NASB: But whoever listens to me will live securely And will be at ease from the dread of evil.'

CSB: But whoever listens to me will live securely and be undisturbed by the dread of danger."

NLT: But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.'

KJV: But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

NKJV: But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.”

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.

Proverbs 1:20–33 concludes the first chapter of Proverbs with the dire consequences of the behaviors defined in the previous section. Also, in this segment is the first personification of wisdom as a female. Throughout Proverbs, Solomon likens wisdom to a woman crying out. The theme is that she is not hiding but is out in the open for all to hear, even though she often goes overlooked.

Proverbs Chapter 1 provides a clear description of the purpose of the book. It is stated plainly who wrote the book, the lineage of Solomon, and to whom he was writing. Solomon gives four distinct purpose statements in the opening verses. The essence of these is to explain why he is writing the book as well as the source of his inspiration. Solomon concludes with a warning against sinfulness and a personal plea for his children to act wisely.

Proverbs Chapter 1 is clearly born out of Solomon’s life history. Solomon held himself back from no earthly pleasure, he had everything he could ever desire, and in the end he saw the foolishness of his actions. Chapter 1 is Solomon’s reflection on his own life, how he had all the wisdom of God available to him, and yet chose to follow after foolish desires. Other chapters detail the advice which this experience allows Solomon to give.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.

Accessed 5/2/2024 2:10:08 AM