A Plea For Wisdom
September 4, 2020
Commentary
The plea for wisdom continues in this section. In fact wisdom appears as a female and cries out in the streets (vv. 20-21). She calls out to the crowds at the gates of the fortified cities (v. 21). She addresses the simple minded, the scorners and the fools (v. 22). Wisdom cannot bear the sight of these sinners moving off toward hell and destruction without crying out. She pleads with men to turn, and the reward will be the prophetic promises of the pouring out of the Holy Spirit (v. 23). Because the people feel no need of God’s assistance she will laugh at their calamity and mock when fear cometh (vv. 24-26). There was a temporary joy of independence; but that joy was destined to turn to bitterness of soul, for it was cut off from God for eternity. (vv. 27-31). Their turning away and their propriety produced a false sense of well-being that led them to destruction.
This entire passage could well be used as the basis for a stirring evangelistic message for men to turn from the utter folly of sin to the wisdom of saving faith in Christ. The message is addressed to men who are persistent in turning from the way of wisdom. Those who will listen and turn to God will not only receive His Spirit but will be granted understanding of His word. To all who refuse to listen, they will receive their just deserts. Destruction will overtake them (vv. 31-32). A day will come when wisdom will laugh at their calamity and mock their bitter anguish. What can be worse than for a lost soul to remember in hell the gospel messages he once listened to and refused to accept for his life. It will be too late and God will pay no heed to their pleadings (vv. 28-30).
Application
I’m so thankful that when I humbly admit my foolish mistakes to God, He is patient and forgiving. I’m also thankful that I can look to Him for advice rather than trusting in my own thinking.
Proverbs 1:20– 33 (NET)
20 Wisdom calls out in the street, she shouts loudly in the plazas;
21 at the head of the noisy streets she calls, in the entrances of the gates in the city she utters her words:
22 “How long will you simpletons love naiveté? How long have mockers delighted in mockery? And how long will fools hate knowledge?
23 You should respond to my rebuke. Then I would pour out my thoughts to you; I would make my words known to you.
24 However, because I called but you refused to listen, because I stretched out my hand but no one was paying attention,
25 and you neglected all my advice, and did not comply with my rebuke,
26 so I myself will laugh when disaster strikes you, I will mock when what you dread comes,
27 when what you dread comes like a whirlwind, and disaster strikes you like a devastating storm, when distressing trouble comes on you.
28 Then they will call to me, but I will not answer; they will diligently seek me, but they will not find me.
29 Because they hated moral knowledge, and did not choose to fear the Lord,
30 they did not comply with my advice, they spurned all my rebuke.
31 Therefore they will eat from the fruit of their way, and they will be stuffed full of their own counsel.
32 For the waywardness of the simpletons will kill them, and the careless ease of fools will destroy them.
33 But the one who listens to me will live in security, and will be at ease from the dread of harm.”