In Proverbs 1:20-33, Wisdom speaks for herself and calls out to all men to listen to her words.

Hear Lady Wisdom

In the father's instruction from our previous teachings, we were introduced to the concept of wisdom. The father tells his son what he should do to be wise, speaking about wisdom in the third person. However, in today's passage, Wisdom speaks for herself!

 Let us read the text and then unpack it together.

 The Call of Wisdom - Proverbs 1:20-22

“Wisdom cries aloud in the street,

in the markets she raises her voice;

at the head of the noisy streets she cries out;

at the entrance of the city gates she speak” 

Heed the call!

Before Wisdom proclaims her message, she goes everywhere — streets, markets, and city gates— calling out to anyone who will listen. These are not exclusive places like palaces or universities but places where people from all walks of life gather. Wisdom is not exclusive. Wisdom is for everyone. She cries out, raises her voice, and speaks loudly, ensuring that everyone has heard her.

If we lack wisdom, we cannot excuse ourselves by saying we missed a still small voice or were not in the right place. Wisdom calls out to all of us. James 1:5 assures us that "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." Let us heed this call to seek Wisdom!

“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?

How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing

and fools hate knowledge“— Proverbs 1:22

Wisdom begins by addressing three types of people

1. The Simple, those who are naive and easily led astray. They lack discernment and are prone to making poor decisions because they do not seek deeper understanding or knowledge. They are comfortable in their ignorance and do not desire to change their ways.

2. The Scoffers, those who mock and ridicule. They are cynical and scornful, often dismissing wisdom and moral guidance with contempt. Their arrogance blinds them to the truth, and they revel in their rebellious attitude.

3. The Fools, those characterized by their stubborn rejection of wisdom and knowledge. They are not merely ignorant but actively resist learning and growth. Fools hate knowledge and have a deep-seated aversion to wisdom, refusing to accept correction or instruction.

The issue with the above three is not just that these people are mistaken but that they love their foolish ways. Wisdom's call reflects her weariness with these attitudes. This sentiment is echoed in Romans 1:20-22, where Paul describes a similar attitude among people who reject God's truth.

Wisdom's ultimate call is for us to fear the Lord. This means living in reverence and awe of God, acknowledging His authority, and aligning our lives with His will. Micah 6:8 succinctly summarizes what God requires of us: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?". Our prayer should be for God to remove the love of sin from our hearts and wash us clean.

The Outcomes of Not Listening - Proverbs 1:24-32

  "Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded, because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof,I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you,when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices. For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them;"

In Proverbs 1:24 and Proverbs 1:28, Wisdom is personified, calling out to people, offering guidance, and stretching out her hand to help. Despite her efforts, the people refuse to listen and ignore her. This lack of response leads to a reversal of roles. When calamity strikes and people finally seek Wisdom, she will not answer. This illustrates a sobering truth: ignoring wisdom when it is readily available can lead to a time when seeking it becomes futile.

Those who reject Wisdom will "eat the fruit of their way," meaning they will experience the outcomes of their own choices. Their turning away and complacency result in God’s judgement upon them: destruction and death.

This illustrates a sobering truth: ignoring wisdom when it is readily available can lead to a time when seeking it becomes futile.

 In Verses 26-27, we are given a picture of what Wisdom will do if we do not heed her warning. It says Wisdom will "laugh" and "mock" when terror and calamity strike. This imagery is striking and unsettling. It underscores the severity of rejecting wisdom. The calamity comes suddenly and overwhelmingly, like a storm or whirlwind, bringing distress and anguish.

 The message is clear and sobering: calamity and terror await those who refuse to listen to the Wisdom of God. This is not a matter of fate but a result of their own choices. They "reap the fruit of their own ways" (verses 30-31). This principle is consistent with the biblical theme that actions have consequences. Proverbs 1:24-32 presents a stark warning about the consequences of ignoring Wisdom.

The Promise to Those Who Listen - Proverbs 1:23, 33

 23 If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.

33 but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

Proverbs 1:23 says, “If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.” If we listen to Wisdom’s reproof, repent of our ways, and trust in Jesus Christ, the Lord will pour out His Spirit on us.

We will hate the foolishness we once loved and dwell securely without fear of judgment because our guilt and foolishness are nailed to the cross of Jesus Christ. The ultimate embodiment of God’s wisdom is found in Jesus Christ. By placing our trust in Jesus, we not only receive forgiveness for our sins but also access the profound wisdom that leads to eternal life.

Conclusion

Wisdom’s call is clear and urgent. Proverbs 1:33 promises, “But whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” By listening to Wisdom, repenting of our ways, and seeking God’s wisdom in our lives, we align ourselves with His will and experience the security and peace that comes from living under His guidance. May God grant us the grace to heed Wisdom's call and live according to His will.