Proverbs 3:32

Proverbs 3:32

I. Consider the intimacy between God and man implied in this promise. To whom is it that we open our confidence, and explain our most secret purposes and objects? It is not to the stranger, of whom perhaps we know nothing but his mere name and title; not to those who have already slighted and injured us; not to the passing acquaintance, between whom and ourselves there is no bond closer than that of a formal courtesy; but to those we love and who love us; those with whom we have had long and familiar acquaintance, and in whom, through constant intercourse, we have learned to place confidence. Thus it is in regard to God and the soul. He gives milk for babes; broad simple truths, conveyed in His Holy Word, as clearly as human language can express them; and when these are received, then He leads the believer on to a further and higher knowledge. Thus there arises a personal, familiar intercourse, a spiritual intimacy, an individual knowledge of experience between the soul and God. Not little is the dignity, nor poor the communion, nor scant the privilege, contained in this promise, "His secret is with the righteous."

II. Look at the nature and blessedness of the secret revealed. (2) It includes a clear knowledge of God's being and of the revelation of His will. (2) The secret of God includes the full saving comprehension of the Gospel of His dear Son. (3) Another secret of God is the sweetness of His comforting peace.

E. Garbett, The Soul's Life,p. 16.

References: Proverbs 3:33. W. Arnot, Laws from Heaven,1st series, p. 158. Proverbs 3:33. E. Johnson, Christian World Pulpit,vol. x., p. 40. Proverbs 3:34. Clergyman's Magazine,vol. iii., p. 10. 3 Parker, Pulpit Analyst,vol. i., pp. 421, 481.Proverbs 4:1. R. Wardlaw, Lectures on Proverbs,vol. i., p. 126. Proverbs 4:2. New Manual of Sunday School Addresses,p. 142.Proverbs 4:3; Proverbs 4:4. E. H. Bradby, Sermons at Haileybury,p. 150.