Psst

“For the froward [is] abomination to the LORD: but his secret [is] with the righteous.” (Pr 3:32 AV)

Our learned scholars are in agreement that the secret spoken of above is not a single fact or truth that is shared with the righteous.  Rather, the secret here is intimate counsel.  The froward are those who deliberately walk contrary to the LORD.  This secret is a very special one.  It means more than impersonal counsel.  It is not like going to a total stranger or even someone slightly familiar for an opinion.  This is like sitting down with your best friend or most loved person and going over things that will help you tremendously.  It is also suggested this secret is not something that is always initiated by the one benefiting from the secret.  This secret is often shared by the LORD as He seeks us out.  The secret is shared over a very special time which the saint and the LORD share.  This is not prayer in passing or a quick verse here and there.  This secret is a special time of quiet intimacy wherein the LORD reveals our hearts to us, counsels with us, and encourages us to accept the counsel given.  It is not merely academic.  It is emotional.  It is counsel shared showered in the love and grace which is His divine nature.

I also note there are only two types of people above.  There is the froward and there is the righteous.  We are either one or the other.  There is no middle position.  As a father, I can tell you there were only two types of relationships I had with my children.  They were either dwelling with me in obedience, or they were living in my house while rebelling against me.  There was no neutral relationship.  No half way in or out.  They were either listening or ignoring.  They were either trusting or fearful.  They were either respectful or disrespectful.  There was no relationship of the status quo.  As a father, when I felt close to my son, he and I had some very special times.  I talked.  He listened.  He asked, and I answered.  We shared parts of our inward person we would never share with anyone else.  This intimacy required a love on my part and a submission on his part.  If, as the prophet describes, turns away the shoulder or hardens the heart, there is no intimacy.  There are no secrets.  There is no encouraging word or challenge to mature.

The same is true with our God.  Why would He fellowship in a special and intimate way with those who do not care for it?  Even the child of God who is bent on backsliding cannot expect intimate times with the LORD.  This intimacy is a real thing.  Most saints and all sinners simply are unaware of how close God can be.  He can be more real than any human relationship.  He can be so close that He literally dwells within your heart.  That is what the Holy Spirit does.  He takes up residence in the heart of the believer.  He is closer than anyone else can be.  He can see your heart.  He can know your mind.  He can speak to you in ways that no human being can.  The Bible teaches us that He can discern our thoughts and intentions.  Although this is often presented as a warning, this truth in far deeper.  He knows my thoughts, my anxieties, my hopes, and dreams.  He knows everything.  If I walk with Him in righteousness and faith, He will never cease to share with me those intimate times that only He can.