Do You Hear Wisdom’s Cry?

Proverbs 1:20-33

Wisdom is all around begging for someone to listen.  It cries aloud in the street, in the markets, at the head of the noisy streets, and at entrance of the city gates (v. 20-21).  Solomon’s point is that wisdom can be found if we will simply open our eyes and ears.  If we truly want wisdom, we will stop loving to be “simple” and stop delighting in scoffing because “fools hate knowledge” (v. 22).

            It is comforting to know that God reveals himself to those who seek him.  God does not hide out in a dark corner as seekers pass by, but Solomon assures us that he “makes his words known” to us, he calls us, and he stretches out his hand for us (v. 23-24).  We do not have to worry about missing God.  He makes himself known to those who pay attention, but “laughs at your calamity” if you ignore him and “mocks when terror strikes you” (v. 25-27).  

            Why is it that people who do not have a relationship with God seem to go to him when things get bad?  They either go to him for comfort or they point to him in blame.  If there was no prior relationship or seeking of God’s wisdom prior to a tragedy, “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” (v. 28-31).  God is very blunt about our timing in seeking him.  If our relationship with God was lacking before disaster, what reason do we have to hope for help in disaster?

            Words of encouragement are written for those who hear wisdom’s cry.  Justice and mercy are for those on both sides of this discussion, “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” (v. 32-33).  Let us seek the wisdom of God and seek a relationship with him constantly in good times and bad.  God does not ration out wisdom, but “gives generously to all without reproach,” (James 1:5).  Wisdom is crying aloud.  If you have not heard it, open your ears and do not ignore it.