The Old Testament book of Proverbs is a collection of writings designed to encourage wisdom among its readers (1:1-7). The opening illustration pictures a parent cautioning a son to remember the instruction he has been given when he is tempted to follow the sinful enticements that will inevitably come his way (1:8-19). The world can be a dangerous place -- especially for those who lack wisdom. If you are, or have been, the parent of children who were at the age of venturing out on their own, perhaps you can relate to these kinds of concerns.
Starting with verse 20 of the first chapter, the writer personifies wisdom as a woman crying out in warning to those foolish enough to ignore her (1:20-25). Several other unflattering terms are used to describe those who pay no attention to wisdom: naive ones, simple-minded, scoffers. Every effort is made to reach out to them, but it was no use. Wisdom is offered but it was refused, no one paid attention to it, it was neglected and unwanted.
God forces His wisdom on no one. But be aware that there are consequences that come with rejecting it. Rejecting wisdom will inevitably lead to being mocked by the very thing that would have been so valuable to you (1:26-27). Rejecting wisdom can cut you off from help at a later point (1:28-29). Rejecting wisdom means that we will receive our just desserts from the foolish path we have chosen (1:30-31). Rejecting wisdom will bring about our ultimate destruction (1:32).
Proverbs 1 ends with a note of hope. In contrast to those who reject wisdom, there is hope for those who receive it. “But he who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil” (1:33). It’s tough enough to survive in our world without rejecting the help God offers through His wisdom. None of us are wise enough to make it on our own. We need all the help we can get.
God loves you!
Mike
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