PROVERBS 1:17-23

Today, in Proverbs 1:17-23, wisdom is crying out to see if there are any interested in her benefits.  Verses 17-19 continue the instruction concerning the folly of those who are so filled with greed that they choose to become a robber and murderer to advance themselves.  Verse 19 states, "So are the ways of everyone that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof."  Not only is sin wrong, but it also isn't smart!

Notice the appeal and invitation of wisdom as it is personified, "Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets.  21She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city, she uttereth her words..."  You see, problems come when we reject what God offers and we turn to the things of the world.  It is dangerous and foolish for any person to turn their back on God's counsel.  Notice the queries of verse 22, "How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?"  Three categories of sinners are noted: (1) simple ones, (2) scorners, and (3) fools. They all are related.  Simple ones refer to those who are naive, especially to godly principles. Scorners are those who mock righteousness and the things of God. Fools are those who rebel against wise instruction. Wisdom cries out asking how long will they reject her godly counsel? The answer is apparent. The ungodly, to this day, ignore godly wisdom.

Turning points are huge when we are headed in the wrong direction.  Notice the sweet invitation found in verse 23, "Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you." The counsel of God, personified in wisdom, is to turn at His reproof.  The idea is of repentance—turning back to God. That call remains to this day. A wicked and Christ-rejecting world to this day is called to turn to God. And for the minority that does, God promises to pour out the blessing of His Spirit and teach His Word to them. Notice that God actually refers to His words. The very words of God are inspired and remain important. Beware of those who would diminish the very words of God.

There are great consequences when God offers Himself to us and we reject Him and His counsel.  Tomorrow we will learn about those consequences.

May you walk in the joy of forgiveness and be blessed as you meditate upon these words.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. What is the stupidest thing you have ever done? Do you know people who do really stupid things? What do you think of those choices?

2. How do you maintain and keep the Word of God preeminent in your life?

3. Who do you know that is naïve when it comes to sin? How might you help them?

4. Do you know people who mock righteous living? How might you help them?

5. Do you know people who are outright foolish? How might you help them?