The Security of Paying Attention

(Proverbs 3:23 ASV)  Then shalt thou walk in thy way securely, And thy foot shall not stumble.

We have here another promise.  We have here another condition.  Notice the first word “Then” (227).  We have just had a long series of directions we are to follow.  Now we have the payoff, the results of obedience. 

It is possible to “walk” (1870) “securely” (983).  Our Calvinist brothers talk about eternal security.  Not being a Calvinist, I don’t know if that is there term or ours but it is covered in the TULIP point of perseverance of the saints.  The Bible does talk about living securely, not as an automatic “fail-safe,” but because we obey and learn the wisdom of the Lord.  That is the context here.

Part of our security is being able to not “stumble” (5062) .  That is the achievable goal.  Two assumptions are included.  It is possible to stumble or this verse would not offer this teaching.  It is also possible to not stumble.

I rarely stumble when I watch where I am walking.  If I am day-dreaming or walking in the dark I am not so steady.  If my attention is elsewhere I can trip over almost anything.  If someone is out to get me, they might bring me down.  Someday I may be physically a tottering old man.  But if I pay attention I am secure.

So?  Pay attention.  Cultivate a holy life style.  Develop the right habits.  Trust that God will be working with His grace and through the Holy Spirit to help you walk steady.