Proverbs 1:20-33 is a passage that personifies Wisdom as a woman calling out to people, urging them to listen and heed her counsel. The authorship of Proverbs is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, although the book contains contributions from various authors over time. It was likely compiled and edited during the First Temple period (roughly 10th to 6th centuries BCE).
* Proverbs 1:20-33 Wisdom’s Rebuke
20 Out in the open wisdom calls aloud,
she raises her voice in the public square;
21 on top of the wall[a] she cries out,
at the city gate she makes her speech:
22 “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways?
How long will mockers delight in mockery
and fools hate knowledge?
23 Repent at my rebuke!
Then I will pour out my thoughts to you,
I will make known to you my teachings.
24 But since you refuse to listen when I call
and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand,
25 since you disregard all my advice
and do not accept my rebuke,
26 I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you;
I will mock when calamity overtakes you—
27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind,
when distress and trouble overwhelm you.
28 “Then they will call to me but I will not answer;
they will look for me but will not find me,
29 since they hated knowledge
and did not choose to fear the Lord.
30 Since they would not accept my advice
and spurned my rebuke,
31 they will eat the fruit of their ways
and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety
and be at ease, without fear of harm.”
Let’s Explore Verse By Verse
“Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square;”
The passage begins by depicting Wisdom as a vocal and public presence, calling out to people to listen to her teachings. This emphasizes the accessibility and universal appeal of wisdom.
“on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech:”
Wisdom’s message is not confined to a specific place but reaches people wherever they are, whether in public spaces or private settings.
“‘How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?'”
Wisdom’s plea is directed at those who are naive (simple), those who mock truth and wisdom (mockers), and those who reject knowledge (fools). She challenges them to reconsider their attitudes and behaviors.
“‘Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings.'”
Wisdom offers the opportunity for repentance and promises to impart knowledge and teachings to those who heed her rebuke and correction.
“‘But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand,'”
Despite Wisdom’s persistent call and offer of guidance, she acknowledges that many people reject her voice and do not heed her warnings.
“‘since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke,'”
The refusal to listen to Wisdom’s advice and correction leads to negative consequences.
“‘I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you—'”
The passage portrays the response of Wisdom to those who reject her counsel—a response of irony and sorrow at their self-inflicted misfortune.
“‘when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you.'”
The consequences of ignoring Wisdom’s counsel are depicted as calamity, disaster, distress, and trouble.
“‘Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me,'”
Those who disregard Wisdom will experience a time when their pleas for help will go unanswered, highlighting the importance of heeding wisdom before it’s too late.
“‘since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord.'”
The root cause of their downfall is identified as their hatred of knowledge and their failure to reverence God (the fear of the Lord).
“‘Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke,'”
The refusal to accept wisdom’s advice and correction is reiterated as a contributing factor to their downfall.
“‘they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.'”
The consequences of their actions will come full circle, leading to the realization of the negative outcomes of their choices.
“‘For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;'”
The passage concludes by emphasizing that foolishness and complacency lead to destruction and death.
“‘but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.'”
In contrast, those who listen to Wisdom and heed her counsel will experience safety, peace, and freedom from fear.
Observations
Wisdom is portrayed as a persistent and accessible teacher, offering guidance and instruction to all.
The consequences of rejecting wisdom are depicted as calamity, distress, and eventual ruin.
The passage underscores the importance of heeding wise counsel and revering God as foundational to a fulfilling life.
Application to Everyday Life
Listen to Wisdom: Be attentive to wise counsel and teachings from sources such as mentors, trusted advisors, and scriptures.
Choose Knowledge: Value learning and seek knowledge that leads to growth, understanding, and discernment.
Repent and Correct: Acknowledge mistakes, seek correction, and be willing to change course when necessary.
Avoid Complacency: Stay vigilant and proactive in making wise choices rather than being complacent or careless.
Fear God: Cultivate reverence and respect for God, recognizing His wisdom as foundational to a fulfilling and meaningful life.
In summary, Proverbs 1:20-33 presents Wisdom as a persistent and accessible guide, urging people to listen, learn, and make wise choices. It highlights the consequences of rejecting wisdom and emphasizes the importance of heeding wise counsel, choosing knowledge, and revering God in everyday life.
* New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.