Understanding the Proverbs, then and now.
But whoso hearkens unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. Proverbs 1:33
The preceding verses before verse 33 dealt with the availability of wisdom to all, though wisdom is calling to all, but many listens not of which ends is destruction.
When it is late:
Then shall they call upon Me, (The Lord) but I will not answer; they shall seek Me early, but they shall not find Me. Proverbs 1:28
For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD. Proverbs 1:29
But whoso hearkens unto Me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. The word Hearkens or Shaw-mah’, as it is rendered in the Hebrew language; it carries the idea of listening through intelligence, with the implication of attention and obedience, and witness. Consequently, one cannot choose or have wisdom without first being aware through the witnessing of evil or wrongdoing.
Today, there are many who pride in their self-ethical, moral standard, while refusing to hear or judge the system of the world through the political influence. For most things that are wrong today, it has its roots in the world political system. Staying away from such through the mindset that Christian, or good people ought not to partake in the political issue of the day is the equivalent of sitting in the dark while attempting to get things done efficiently. Confused they shall be, and ineffectual shall be the result.
Was Moses and his bold confronting of Pharaoh an act of nonpolitical interference? On the contrary, it was the biggest political influence of its day. What if the Israelites refused to hear anything “political” of that day through Moses and his brother Aaron? How would they have been aware of what was happening in the political halls of Egypt, and how would they have known they were delivered?
Today, the Lord is revealing many things throughout the world, through the deeds of governments and their political systems. Unwise are those who choose not to pay attention and witness the dealings of the day.
Therefore, where faith ought to be the comfort of the people through the wisdom they have acquired, but there is naught. Consequently, fear is their companion and easily manipulated they become. However, observe our verse from above. But whoso hearkens unto wisdom in fullness, shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. That is to say, but whoever listens to Me, will have security. They will be safe, with no reason to be afraid.
The pronoun “Me,” speaks of the Lord, as He sees all, likewise He is moving upon all in this world, and wise are those who observe attentively.