Proverbs 1:20-33
Q.1. How could Solomon say that wisdom constantly makes a public appeal? What does wisdom do for an inexperienced person? – (Prov.1:20-23 c.f. Ps.19:1-4)
The heavens declare the glory of God. The wise observation of life ‘shouts and lifts her voice’ through the contrasting outcomes of wisdom and foolishness – 22 “How long, O naive ones, will you love being simple-minded? 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 (Prov.1:22-23 c.f. Ps.19:1-4). Wisdom helps us to evaluate from a divine perspective, the mistakes we and others make. Without God’s Word, such on-course adjustments are far less likely to be made. The Psalmist reinforced this truth when he wrote – 97 O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all day long. 98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever mine. 99 I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the aged, because I have observed Your precepts. 101 I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Your word (Ps.97-101).
Q.2. How does a person pay for failing to heed counsel? What attitude to God should we cultivate? What are the consequences for ignoring reproof? – (Prov.1:24-33)
People pay a high price for refusing to heed wisdom, and for mocking the paths of righteousness (Prov.1:24-25). God warned that by the time the foolish come to their senses, – 28 “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me, 29 Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord (Prov.1:28-29). God declared – 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 (Prov.1:31-32). The combination of drunkenness and drugs mixed with immorality, is the ruin of many people. How different it is for the wise – But he who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil (Prov.1:33).