Wisdom Calling
Opening Prayer
Lord God, You are the author of all truth and wisdom. I seek some from Your Word today.
Read Proverbs 1:20-33
[20] Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; [21] on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech: [22] “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? [23] Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings. [24] But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand, [25] since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke, [26] I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you- [27] when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you. [28] “Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me, [29] since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD. [30] Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, [31] they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. [32] For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; [33] but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What fate befalls those who reject God's wisdom?Every choice we make has consequences. Here, two ways of living are described. Wisdom is described as a woman inviting us to follow her and make wise choices, but she calls in vain (24,25). People prefer to go their own way. In rejecting wisdom, they are rejecting God. Wisdom continues to call and reach out, just as God continues to call out in love to rebellious, self-centered people. If we respond, we shall find wisdom and, with it, God (33). Tragically, if we continue to resist, there is no hope. When Paul describes Jesus as the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:22,30), he reminds us that just as wisdom was the way to God, so is Jesus. If, however, we keep turning our back on wisdom and the God who gives it, there comes a point when we become locked away in our own attitudes and our minds will be closed to God’s wisdom. As we continue to make wrong choices we find that the results can be grim (27). So, the answer? Keep listening to the voice of wisdom, and make God’s way our first priority. It’s never too late to listen to him (33).
Apply
Are there areas where you are using your own wisdom rather than God’s? If so, ask for his help.
Closing prayer
Wise, eternal God, give me the hunger to have Your wisdom and the commitment to live by it.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.