The Call of Wisdom

​“Wisdom shouts in the street, she lifts her voice in the square; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the gates in the city she utters her sayings: How long, O naive ones, will you love being simple-minded? And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing and fools hate knowledge?” (Proverbs 1:20–22).
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If its opportunity that knocks, then it seems that wisdom shouts. Godly wisdom in this context is pictured as a woman who walks throughout a city, crying out to those in need of the help and guidance she offers. Who is it that needs wisdom? It would be those who are naive or simple-minded (1:22). These are the ones who would be especially vulnerable to the enticing temptations of the evil crowd who seeks to involve them in their deadly plans (1:10-16). It would be the scoffers and fools who enjoy mocking the wisdom and knowledge of God (1:22). Wisdom calls out with urgency in her voice: “Turn to my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you” (1:23).
​Sadly, there will be those who stubbornly continue to reject the call of wisdom and suffer the consequences. The time will come when the window of opportunity closes. At that time, the mockers will themselves be mocked (1:24-27). At that time, those who received the call of wisdom and spurned it will themselves call out but receive no answer (1:28-30). At that time, they will be forced to eat the bitter fruit of their own stubborn foolishness and it won’t be easy to swallow.

​How much better it would be to listen when wisdom calls! “But he who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil” (1:33). None of us are as wise as we need to be. Let’s be quick to take advantage of the wisdom that God freely offers. It’s an offer that we dare not refuse!

God loves you!
Mike