WHEN WISDOM LAUGHS
Read it
Proverbs 1:20-26
Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech: “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings. But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand, since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you. (Proverbs 1:20-26)
Discover It
In the Bible in Proverbs 1, “Wisdom” is personified as a woman who is crying out as she walks through the city streets, trying to get the attention of all who will listen. But…it seems like people are ignoring Wisdom, even as she warns them of the consequences if they do not turn and give ear to her teachings. At the end of this passage, we see Wisdom laughing as disaster and calamity overwhelm all who are so foolish as to forsake God’s Wisdom.
Ask It
1. In verses 20-21, wisdom is picture roaming about the city like a town crier heralding doom for all who will not listen to her. Why do you think it is so important for us to hear and heed God’s Wisdom? What is God’s wisdom anyway? Give some of your ideas. (Hint: Read Matthew 7:24)
2. Verses 24-26, describe some of the consequences of not following the Lord’s wisdom. Think of some examples of people taking an unwise path and not following the wisdom of God’s word.
Live It
1. Fear the Lord! This is the beginning of wisdom. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)
2. Trust in the Lord! This is the promise of wisdom. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
3. Pray for Wisdom! “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)
Pray It
“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. (Psalm 73:23-28)
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