A Life in Exile

In our last post, we saw that the voice of wisdom is evident and can be heard above the noise of this world. The question for all of us is: Are we listening? Today, we’ll look at the benefits of a positive answer to that question. Next week, we’ll look at the consequences of a negative response.

The benefits are found in two verses in chapter 1.

If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you. (Proverbs 1:23 ESV)

But whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster. (Proverbs 1:33)

Two short verses reveal the blessings of listening to wisdom and repentance. It will take nine verses to detail the consequences. Much like the list of blessings and curses to be shouted from Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal from the book of Deuteronomy, the list of blessings was short and to the point, while the curses were long and detailed. These two verses cover a lot when you ponder their impact.

Spirit-filled understanding of God’s Word

Verse 23 is clear. When we correct our ways at God’s reproof, and when we listen and repent, He fills us with His Spirit, and He makes His Word known to us.

What has happened? Belief and repentance tear down the wall of division between ourselves and God. It opens up the lines of communication. Our repentance brings His forgiveness. His forgiveness brings our cleansing. Our cleansing provides a purified home for His Spirit to dwell. The presence of His Spirit within us allows Him to speak truth to our hearts and minds.

Isn’t that amazing? I think that’s a good reason for the word behold. Behold tells us that something great is coming. Watch for it! Look out! All you have to do is repent—turn away from evil—and bam! My Spirit is going to make his dwelling in you and reveal such great things to you. You’ll gain understand most people just hope for.

That’s a powerful benefit of listening to wisdom and repenting of your ways. But, there’s more.

Dread-proof living

So, you’ve believed in God and repented of your sin. The Holy Spirit is living in you and has given you a great understanding of the Word of God. Because you’ve got a newfound understanding of this life and the life beyond, you’ve also been given a new outlook on living. Knowing that your future is secure in Christ, there is little that can shake you in the present. You’re like the wise man who builds his house on the rock. What brought that analogy? Hearing the words of Jesus and doing them.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:24-27)

Here we are, having just heard the greatest sermon ever told, and what does Jesus tell us? All these wise words are going to keep you unshakable against the storms of life if you believe them and live according to them. It’s Proverbs 1:33 all over again.

It’s clear to see that repentance, belief, and obeying the words of Christ are not guarantees to an easy, trouble-free life, but they are guarantees to a dread-free life. Storms will still come. Persecution is most assured, but we are living with the benefits better than any earthly life insurance; we’re living by an insured eternity, guaranteed by the Spirit. The Apostle Paul understood that and wrote about it to the believers in Ephesus.

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14)

Two verses cover it all

Are you living in the security of your relationship with Jesus Christ? Have you repented and believed? If so, you’re covered with the wonderful benefit of the indwelling Spirit of Christ and assurance of the hope that extinguishes all earthly fears.

Dwell secure and at ease in His presence and care. Wisdom with benefits. Nothing better!

Grace and Peace

If you missed the last Friday Focus post, click HERE, or start this Walking in Wisdom series from the beginning.