PROVERBS 1:24-33
This morning our devotion concludes the first chapter of Proverbs. We are forever sowing either that which is wholesome and godly, or that which is broken and evil. We also tend to think we aren't reaping, when we always are reaping. Ecclesiastes 8:11 warns, "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." As you consider these words, please take a moment to reflect upon your attitude about wisdom. It is vital.
1:24-25 We are warned about the folly of disregarding God extending Himself and His wisdom to us. "Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof." There is a dualism of thought running side by side in this passage. On the one hand is a warning for those who ignore godly wisdom. On the other hand is a warning for those who ignore God Himself and His Word. For those who reject wisdom, threatening consequences await. The same is even more so for those who reject Christ. The world routinely refuses the call of God. When God in His great mercy has extended His hand of grace in Christ to a lost world, most disregard it. They ignore His Word and want nothing of His correction. So are fools who ignore godly wisdom in their lives.
1:26-28 Wisdom personified in Christ therefore warns, "I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh." The day will come for ungodly men when wisdom personified in Christ laughs at the consequences of sin. Once again, sin is not only morally and ethically wrong, it isn't smart. It eventually brings calamity and trouble. Ultimately, the fulfillment of this warning will be when those who have rejected Christ stand before God at the Great White Throne Judgment. In that day, every person who rejected Christ will be cast into the Lake of Fire and the seriousness of their rejection will be fully understood and regretted. "When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me." This dualism of thought continues. Those who ignore wisdom (as well as God) will sooner or later come to great fear and trouble from the consequence of their sin. Sin always brings trouble. It brings distress and anguish. In that day, fools may finally try to turn to God, but He will not answer. They may even rise early in the morning to pray, and God will utterly ignore them. It is a serious thing to ignore the truth and grace of God. Likewise, those who ignore wisdom in their day-to-day living will soon enough run into deep trouble. Then they suddenly decide to try and be wise. Yet, wisdom in that day will ignore their pleas. It will be too late. Men and women of the world continue headlong down the path of ignoring wisdom and Christ. Yet, the day is coming, both in the trouble which comes from such living as well as at the judgment, when it all will catch up with them. Sin does catch up, if not sooner, then certainly later.
1:29-31 "For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof." Fools and the ungodly hate the truth of God. They willfully ignore the fear of the Lord. They want nothing to do with His Word and counsel. They despise God’s moral code. Likewise, fools do the same. They laugh at true wisdom and mock its truth. They reject God's wisdom as being ‘moralistic’ or "out of touch.’ "Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices." Fools who ignore godly wisdom ultimately reap a bitter harvest. The Bible is clear, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7) This law of sowing and reaping is a spiritual law and a biological law. Those who ignore wisdom will endure bitter consequences.
1:32-33 "For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them." The backsliding or turning away from the things of God by the simple will have tragic consequences. It is true both for foolish living now as well as the ultimate consequence when men stand before God someday. Furthermore, the prosperity of fools usually deceives them into thinking they can get away with their sin (see Ecclesiastes 8:11-13). Yet, sin always comes back to bite those guilty thereof. It is true in the consequences of sin both now and at the judgment. "But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil." Those who listen to wisdom in this life will live a peaceable life without fear of trouble. And, those who listen to Christ, the personification of wisdom, will dwell safely for all eternity and not fear the wrath of God in hell.
Wisdom is a vital truth to be taught to our children. As children learn to seek wisdom in this life, it follows quickly to seek Christ. Parents need to learn and teach this biblical truth.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. Do you see God extending His wisdom to you? How does He do so?
2. What is your attitude concerning Jesus Christ? How about God’s Word?
3. When does God laugh at a person seeking help? What can we do to change it?
4. Do you only seek God when you are in trouble? What is wrong with this scenario?