Let’s jump down to Proverbs 1:32-33 and learn the justification for listening to wisdom. 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. Here is what Lady Wisdom shouts to us in verses 32-33:
English Standard Version (ESV) Study Bible
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.
Amplified Bible (AMP)
For the turning away of the naive will kill them, and the careless ease of [self-righteous] fools will destroy them. But whoever listens to me (Wisdom) will live securely and in confident trust and will be at ease, without fear or dread of evil.”
New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB95)
For the waywardness of the naive will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. But he who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil.”
We should listen to wisdom because if we do, we will live in security with peace of mind. We will have no dread of being overtaken by evil if we have followed Wisdom. This is not as cut-and-dry as it reads. Have you ever experienced dread? Or fear? Or anxious thoughts? Or intrusive thoughts? Following God’s wisdom will keep us from the dread of evil. A good picture of dread is in Proverbs 28:1.
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. (ESV)
Think about a life of running or avoidance because we are expecting evil to happen. No! This is not what we want. Will we choose Wisdom? Think about the number of choices we make in a day… a week… a month… a year. Then consider the decisions that matter: wellness, transitions, relationships, career, etc. Our lives have to much potential to live them in dread of evil.
The simple should be concerned because destruction is the result they will experience for turning away from Wisdom.
In the Southern United States, we have a phrase that says, “Common sense is not common.” It means that some people do not know what the majority know, and they should know it. Like, looking left and right before crossing the street. Like, not touching a hot stove top or braving cold weather without a coat or some protection. When what to do is commonly known by most, and some do not follow, then the ones who do not follow are seen differently.
Wisdom is God’s common sense. Following Wisdom allows us to learn God’s mind, God’s ways, and God’s desires for how we navigate life. How are we accomplishing the tasks of our Godly callings and assignments? Are our actions causing us to live securely and be at ease from dreading evil? This is a simple way to measure if we are following Wisdom.
#1: DO NOT TURN AWAY FROM WISDOM. For reflection consider: What makes us turn away from Wisdom?
Remember, Wisdom shouts and cries out to us in public ways. Proverbs 1:32 says that turning away from Wisdom kills the simple. The simple forfeit the better future Wisdom offers when they turn away. Do we turn away because:
- we know better (aka proud)?
- we do not want to hear shouting so we ignore (aka control)?
- we do not want surrender our path (aka stubborn)?
- we love being naive (v. 22, aka denial)?
#2: BEWARE OF FOOLISH COMPANIONS. Warning: Fools can play the part of a disciple.
Remember the position of Wisdom: at the head of noisy streets, at the entrance of city gates. Before we begin or enter into a thing, there is a word of Wisdom crying out to us. Let’s start inclining our ear at the beginning of the project, relationship, or plan. Let’s invite our ears to embrace Wisdom’s shout. Part of the embrace means watching out for fools — being one and being with one. Note the AMP’s description of the “careless ease of self-righteous fools.” This is a clue to:
- be diligent and not complacent
- be humble
- be willing to consider another way
There is a term called intellectual humility. It is the idea that we can be wrong. We are not always right. We know this consciously, of course, but may not have a practice of accepting other points of view. A good reflection question is to consider
HOW DO WE FEEL ABOUT BEING WRONG?
Kudos to those of you who with the uncomplicated answer: something like “I don’t like it” or “I don’t mind.” The rest of us may get stuck in the “weeds” and focus on the conditions. Is someone trying to embarrass me? Is it life or death? Is this the case of a discussion or an argument? Is the other person bullying or targeting me or refusing to hear me? Our first answer to this question could be a clue to our relationship to Wisdom. (Because we can be distracted by who the Lord uses to speak wise words to us!)
Following Wisdom means making a definite choice, no hopping on either side of the line, and no back and forth. Maybe this is why Lady Wisdom shouts, because the noise in the streets and the goings-on in the cities will ask us to choose. And without some guidance, we will choose wrong. This is an assurance in the first wisdom appeal, to listen and in return know a secure life with ease and no dread of evil. Let’s ask for and be available to listen to Wisdom. Let’s be intellectually humble, and be grateful when our errors are corrected. Amen.
