There are passages in the Proverbs that personify wisdom. The personification teaches us about the characteristics of wisdom. The first wisdom appeal is found in Proverbs 1:20-33. Wisdom is a woman who appeals to “simple ones, scoffers, and fools to heed her words” (ESV study Bible commentary). Interesting wording though: the appeal is a cry. Wisdom cries out. Wisdom has a voice. This is important, especially with the swarm of voices in one’s life. Who is on the list?
- Immediate family
- Close friends
- Pastors
- Elders or seniors who have proven trustworthy and wise
- Distant influences, voices we give importance, such as online teachers, preachers, or others we watch/read
- Subject matter experts such as doctors, financial advisors, etc.
- News outlets
- Prophetic streams (sources that specialize in enlightening us biblically to God’s will in future times)
- Charismatic voices that draw us with the sound of authority and knowledge
- Social media conversations, reels, and/memes we take as confirmation
Let’s consider what Proverbs 1:20-23 teaches us about wisdom.
#1: WISDOM IS A PUBLIC VOICE. We learn about the location of wisdom.
- “in the streets” and “in the square/markets” (v. 20)
- “at the head of the noisy streets” and “at the entrance of city gates” (v. 21)
Wisdom is not hidden. Instead, she shouts and cries out in public ways. She is in our faces in the streets and in the markets where there is activity and voices gather to get our attention. Wisdom positions herself at the head of noisy streets. This is powerful! Wisdom knows there are decisions ahead of us. Wisdom knows we need her, so she stands at the points of entry to shout at us before we are taken in to the whims of the city, the streets, the square. What does wisdom shout to us in this first appeal?
#2: WISDOM CHALLENGES US NOW AND OFFERS A BETTER FUTURE. Choice is power.
- “How long, O simple/naive ones, will you love being simple-minded?” (v. 22)
- “How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?” (v. 22)
- “If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.” (v. 23)
Wisdom is shouting at us. We do not have to go another day being naive. What is attractive about being simple-minded? The word for simple (H6612) means an open-mindedness that causes us to be easily enticed and persuaded. Wisdom pursues the simple and says, “It can end if you listen to me.”
Years ago, I knew a woman from regular fellowship between our churches. She asked if the Bible said we were to have an open mind. I was scrolling through the Scriptures I could recall to mind and I had no answer. No, she said. No, we are not called to have an open mind. We are called to let the mind of Christ be at work in us. It is something that has stayed with me and comes to mind when I see a reference to open-mindedness.
Not just the simple, the scorner/scoffer is pointed out. Wisdom pursues us. We do not have to take pleasure in ignorance. The words for scorners/scoffers (H3887, H3944) mean to brag, mock, have contempt for what is right/good, to make mouths at in an effort to pronounce a foreign language. In the Southern US, we might say “stop putting your mouth on” this or that; it is the sentiment of “to make mouths.” The word for fools (H3684) means stupid fellow or arrogant one. The word for knowledge (H1847) means perception, skill, wisdom, discernment, and understanding.
Considering the word study, we see the warning Wisdom offers. Our delight is in the wrong things, she says. How long will we set our pleasure on mocking what we do not understand…. when she can grant understanding? How long will we act like we know and hate the opportunities to actually know and understand?
Wisdom says. “Let me rebuke you.” If we turn (H7725) at Wisdom’s reproof, there is a promise of change. Stop being simple and naive. Stop loving the simple mind. Stop enjoying the scorning and scoffing and mocking. Stop being arrogant and foolish. Stop hating knowledge. If we turn from these and to Wisdom, Wisdom reveals the word of the Lord. He will point out his spirit to us and make his words known.
“The fruit of righteousness is good choices.” — Pastor Brian R. Nelson, Sr.
What is the consistent refrain of the disciple of Jesus Christ? What is the heart of the sons of God? It is to know the will of the Father and to do it. If we turn to wisdom and away from the habits of unfruitful belief and behavior, then we position ourselves for the spirit and words of Wisdom. Wow! The word for pour (H5042) means to flow, gush forth, spring/bubble up, ferment. Spirit upon and Spirit within, we will know and experience Wisdom. If we turn to Wisdom we will be in the rapid flow of Wisdom.
Now, it is clearer why Wisdom shouts out to us from a very public place. Wisdom is bold and calling to us to turn to her before entering the transactions of life. She challenges us to look at our mindsets and approaches. Are we naive? Are we simple? More than that, do we love life without wisdom? Are we foolish, mocking what we do not understand because wisdom is like a foreign language to us?
The Father is kind to extend chances for repentance and improvement. This is the first call of wisdom in the first appeal, to turn and receive from the spirit of wisdom, and to receive the words of wisdom. Let’s pray and surrender the naiveté, scoffing, and foolishness. Let’s receive with joy Wisdom’s spirit and words. Amen.
