Proverbs 3:24-26, Peace and Security – God’s Double Boon!

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February 4, Proverbs 3:24-26

Ezek. 34:20-31; 2 Pet. 2:5-9 “He giveth His beloved sheep.”

Peace and Security – God’s Double Boon!

Dean Plumptre (Speaker’s Comm.) points out that Wisdom, confers both strength and beauty (v.22); preserves in action and in repose (vs.23, 24); and is equal to every emergency of life (vs.25, 26). My son, hold fast then these principles.

  1. The Vigil: Be not afraid of sudden fear (v.25a). How wonderful not only to be safe but to feel safe, and, therefore, to rest “safe and secure from all alarms!” Nothing supports our vigilance like knowing that we have everlasting Truth on our side. Such need to be afraid of sudden fear (v.25). That is why we are admonished to hold fast these principles of sound wisdom (v.21). Noah found security in the flood. Lot found it in the destruction of Sodom. Luther sang songs of faith on his way to Worms. “Verses 24-26 expand on verse 23, speaking of the full-time vigil Wisdom keeps over those who have it” (Alden). What could be more blessed than a day filled with happy service, and followed by a good night’s sleep? That is the double boon God gives His beloved.
  2. The Vow: For the Lord shall be thy confidence (v.26a). Dr. Boreham once said missionaries go to the heathen to teach them how to sleep well. Dr. Chalmers, of New Guinea, agreed. The natives, he said, lived in fear. At night their dreams were often troubled; there were evil spirits at large. Thank God; the message of the Gospel teacher how to sleep well. Modern pagans, in our civilised cities often do not. It may be, for some, caused by physical pain, but others are troubled in mind and spirit. Millions of dollars are spent on drugs to induce sleep, or, in some cases, to escape from reality. God promises sleep for His beloved, and, for the most part, the promise still works.
  3. The Voucher: And shall keep thy foot from being taken (v.26b). When Bishop Ridley was awaiting his execution, his brother came to the prison to keep him company on the night he was to be burned. Ridley said, “There is no need, my brother. I intend to sleep tonight as gently as ever,” and he did! Christianity really does a work when it helps a man to sleep in circumstances like that. In Les Miserables, Jean Valjean, the criminal, is given hospitality by a godly bishop. In the middle of the night he rises and goes to the bishop’s bedroom to rob him. As he enters, a moonbeam falls on the bishop’s face showing him resting in such peace. This so over-powered Valjean that he couldn’t carry out his crime! Only a story, you say, true, but thousands of persecuted believers around the world can vouch for its truth today! When, however, sleep “breaks” it may be God’s call to seek salvation. So it was for Charlotte Elliot, resulting in her hymn “Just as I am.” It may be God’s call to pray for someone in need, or to effect His providential deliverance of a faithful servant (Est. 6:1). “Sleep on it, and pray before you sleep.”

Thought: “Peace is the conscious possession of adequate resources” (Anon).

Prayer: Be my last thought; how sweet to rest, Forever on my Saviour’s breast.