Scripture Reading

Proverbs 1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

Insight on the Word

Our world today is a dangerous place. There is fear, death, and destruction in the news every day. All around the globe people cry out for safety and security. The good news is: God promises His children freedom from “fear of evil” and a life of “safety.”

Evil is not of God (3 John 1:11), nor is the “spirit of fear” (2 Timothy 1:7). Evil is from Satan and it is wrong, for we who put our trust in the Lord, to fear evil. To the contrary we are established in righteousness and do not fear (Isaiah 54:14). We are born of God and keep ourselves in His hands (John 10:29), and the wicked one cannot even touch us (1 John 5:18). You might say that these are really wonderful promises but how can we be sure they are ours? The answer is clear. We have God’s Word on it!

The word “hearkeneth” in this passage comes from the Hebrew word “shama,” and means “to hear intelligently with the implication of obedience.” For those who listen to the Lord and obey what they hear, there is safety and freedom from the fear of evil.

All through the Bible there are those who heard God’s Word and obeyed it. Noah and his family were saved from the flood (Genesis 6-8). The Three Hebrew children were spared from death (Daniel 3). Daniel was saved from the lions den (Daniel 6). And on and on we could read of those who heard God’s Word and obeyed, thereby being saved from the evil that was present. Have no fear the God of Noah, Daniel, and the three Hebrew children still lives. He is your God and you need not fear the evil of the Devil.

As you read and study God’s word today, do more than just read and study it. Believe and do it! Obey it from the depth of your heart and you “shall be quiet from fear of evil.”

Speak the Word — I hear and obey the Word, I live in safety! (Proverbs 1:33)

Daily Bible Reading — Exodus 35 – 37