Have you ever felt unsure of the choices you are making in your life, wondering if you are following a wise path or just pursuing what seems good at the time?
It’s in moments like these that godly wisdom calls out to us, offering guidance and understanding. Let’s explore the significance of heeding this divine call.
Reconnect: In the book of Proverbs, we delve into the importance of wisdom and understanding, and Proverbs 1:20-33 provides a vivid illustration of wisdom’s cry to humanity.
(Summarized and continued after the scripture)
Wisdom Warns
20Wisdom shouts in the street,
She lifts her voice in the square;
21At the head of the noisy streets she cries out;
At the entrance of the gates in the city she utters her sayings:
22“How long, O naive ones, will you love being simple-minded?
And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing
And fools hate knowledge?
23“Turn to my reproof,
Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you.
24“Because I called and you refused,
I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention;
25And you neglected all my counsel
And did not want my reproof;
26I will also laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when your dread comes,
27When your dread comes like a storm
And your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
When distress and anguish come upon you.
28“Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
They will seek me diligently but they will not find me,
29Because they hated knowledge
And did not choose the fear of the LORD.
30“They would not accept my counsel,
They spurned all my reproof.
31“So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way
And be satiated with their own devices.
32“For the waywardness of the naive will kill them,
And the complacency of fools will destroy them.
33“But he who listens to me shall live securely
And will be at ease from the dread of evil.”
Summary Key Points:
- Wisdom’s Loud Cry: In these verses, wisdom is personified as a woman crying out in the public square, raising her voice in the streets. She calls to those who pass by, urging them to pay attention and embrace understanding.
- Rejected Counsel: The passage portrays a vivid contrast between those who listen to wisdom’s call and those who reject it. Those who disregard wisdom’s voice and choose not to fear the Lord ultimately face the consequences of their choices.
- The Fear of the Lord: The foundation of wisdom is the fear of the Lord, which is not about dread but a deep reverence and awe for God. This fear leads to a desire for wisdom and understanding.
- Consequences of Ignoring Wisdom: The passage warns that when wisdom’s call is ignored, calamity and distress will follow. Those who despise wisdom’s counsel will bear the weight of their decisions.
- Choosing Understanding: On the other hand, those who listen to wisdom’s call will dwell in safety and be at ease, without the fear of harm. Choosing wisdom is a safeguard against destructive paths.
Call to Action: Take a moment to reflect on your response to wisdom’s call in your life. Have there been times when you ignored wise counsel or chose not to seek understanding? Pray for the desire to embrace wisdom and the fear of the Lord, leading you to make choices that honor Him.
Prayer: Gracious Lord, we acknowledge Your wisdom as a guiding light in our lives. Help us to heed wisdom’s call and embrace understanding. May we walk in reverence and awe of You, making choices that reflect Your wisdom. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Discussion: Share your thoughts on times when you’ve heard wisdom’s call or ignored it. How can you encourage one another to pursue wisdom and understanding in your daily lives? Engage in discussions with friends and family, and feel free to share your reflections in the comments below.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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