“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 speaks:
‘How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing
and fools hate knowledge?
If you turn at my reproof,
behold, I will pour out my spirit to you;
I will make my words known to you.
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;
but whoever listens to me will dwell secure
and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.'” Proverbs 1:20-33
“The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. His invisible attributes, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools.” Romans 1:18-22
God’s truth is apparent to all who would see, and empowering to those who embrace it. Wise Solomon describes wisdom as a pursuing, willing, and available companion, and Paul echoes the king’s sentiments about the calamity and distress of wisdom scorned. Refusal to heed her call and to accept the clear revelation of God in creation instills a callous of the heart that hardens over time, ruining character, motive, and morals. (Romans 1:24-32)
Wisdom beckons those who need her most, identifying the simple and foolish who try to make their own way in the world. She promises rich counsel and comfort in the Spirit, answering every need of mind and emotion. But willful sinners rebuff her advances, foolishly choosing to worship created things, and surrendering self-control to unchecked lusts. Resulting anguish, fear, and varied due penalties of their choices often builds resentment instead of prompting repentance.
Do I heed Wisdom’s cry as a willing listener, eager to heed her instruction? Or am I slothful, ignoring her words and ways until it’s too late? What can I do today to set aside worldly wisdom for the real thing, applying myself to the study and implementation of Scripture, relevant for every home, work, and relational situation? (1 Timothy 4:13-15; 2 Peter 1:10)
Lord, help me honor You by embracing and applying Your wisdom to my days.
As the rain and snow 