Proverbs 1—Dwell Securely Without Dread of Disaster

Let’s begin Proverbs 1 with an important acknowledgement—loss is horrible. We dread disaster. We dread losing spouses or children or parents.

One of the biggest lessons I learned walking through loss is that Jesus came to overwhelm brokenness. I learned I could trust him especially in the depths of loss. In other words, he came to right the wrongs of the world. The fall of man introduced brokenness and loss into the world. Again, loss is real.

And loss gives birth to the dread of disaster.

Jesus didn’t create the world to be broken. Sin gave birth to brokenness in our world. Jesus overcame the world, and he paid the price for our sin.

This is why Jesus was born, lived, suffered, died, was buried, and rose again. So be wise and preach this gospel to yourself.

“To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth…” Proverbs 1:2-4

Loss is a time to humbly receive help. Loss is not a time to stand in your own strength or in your own wisdom. Loss is a time to lean into the gospel message. Loss is a time to stand on the hope of the gospel.

Loss is a time for wisdom.

It’s a time to humbly seek to know wisdom and instruction. It’s a time to understand words of insight and to receive instruction in wise dealing. I remember the confusion of sight that overwhelmed me. I needed external help, or perspective, to deal wisely with my loss.

Loss is a time to receive instruction in righteousness, justice, and equity. Wisdom gives prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to youth. Loss is a time that calls for prudence. The simple and youth need prudence, knowledge, and discretion.

Press into the wisdom in Proverbs 1 and beyond to equip yourself for wise dealings.

“Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.” Proverbs 1:5-6

You can respond to loss like the fool or like the wise. The fool proudly knows and speaks. The wise humbly listens and learns. Those who are wise hear and, by doing so, increase their learning. The wise obtains guidance when they stop to understand.

Loss needs to be processed and figured out. Loss, like a riddle, needs wisdom applied to make sense of it all.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7

The beginning place on the journey to wisdom and healing is the fear of the Lord. Refuse to rail against God. Turn to God and fear him. Approach him in humility, in awe, and with respect. Turn to him in honesty, yes. But come to him with fear and respect.

Fools rail against God and, like Saul, kick against the goads (Acts 26:14). Fools rebel and despise the wisdom freely offered to them.

“…but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” Proverbs 1:33

If you listen to God, you will dwell securely and at ease. While brokenness is real, you can walk without the dread of disaster. I’ve read the end of the story. The dread of disaster is overwhelmed by the gospel. Wisdom wins. Instruction delivers wise dealings. The simple are made prudent. Youth are given discretion. Learning is increased. Guidance is obtained. Proverbs are understood. Disaster is withstood and defeated.

Even the disaster of loss.