Wisdom Calls, Will You Answer?
This text features a sermon discussing the book of Proverbs, particularly focusing on the personification of wisdom as a female figure who publicly calls out to everyone. The message emphasizes that wisdom is readily available, and the reluctance to seek it often stems from pride or busyness. The sermon highlights that rejecting wisdom leads to detrimental consequences, as the natural order of the world will bring about difficulty when unwise choices are made. However, a core theme is that repentance and turning towards wisdom, ultimately embodied by Jesus Christ, leads to safety and well-being.
Deep Dive Podcast
Proverbs Chapter 1: Wisdom Calls
Study Guide
I. Introduction to Proverbs and Wisdom Literature
Proverbs is part of the Bible's wisdom literature.
Unlike historical narratives or gospels, wisdom literature describes how the world generally works.
Proverbial wisdom provides directives for living life well.
Following these truths typically leads to a better life, while going against them tends to result in a less desirable outcome.
The core idea from Proverbs chapter one is that living life in order, specifically "in the fear of God," leads to a life that goes well.
II. Lady Wisdom Personified (Proverbs 1:20-21)
Wisdom is personified as a woman, referred to as "Lady Wisdom."
Lady Wisdom is actively calling out to people, offering her wisdom.
This personification emphasizes wisdom's accessibility.
She is described as calling out "out in the open," raising her voice in the "public square," "on top of the wall," and "at the city gate."
These locations are public and places where people gather, highlighting that wisdom is available to everyone.
The availability of wisdom means that a lack of wisdom in one's life is not due to its unavailability but rather a lack of pursuit.
III. Obstacles to Pursuing Wisdom
The question posed is: Are we pursuing wisdom?
Two primary obstacles identified are pride and busyness.
Pride can lead to the belief that one already possesses sufficient knowledge and doesn't need wisdom.
Busyness can distract individuals from seeking or recognizing wisdom.
Both pride and busyness can result in the same outcome: not pursuing wisdom, which can have detrimental effects.
Pursuing wisdom doesn't necessarily mean constant reading, but rather a willingness to learn and be informed to live life better.
IV. Identifying Simple, Mockers, and Fools (Proverbs 1:22)
Proverbs identifies different types of people who do not embrace wisdom: simple, mockers, and fools.
"How long" implies that these ways of living have been ongoing.
Wisdom directly addresses these types, highlighting their resistance to knowledge and wisdom.
The example of Dr. Phil's principle "some people get it and some people don't get it" is used to illustrate the distinction between those who understand and respond wisely to situations and those who do not.
Nobody desires to be someone who "doesn't get it," yet the tools to live wisely are available.
V. Repentance and Receiving Wisdom (Proverbs 1:23)
Lady Wisdom calls for repentance.
Repentance involves recognizing wrong actions or directions, turning away from them, and going in a different direction.
This is foundational to the Christian faith (spiritual repentance) and applicable to living a wise life (repenting at wisdom's rebuke).
Humility is necessary for repentance, acknowledging that one is not doing things correctly and needs to follow wisdom's direction.
In response to repentance, Lady Wisdom promises to "pour out" her thoughts and make her teachings known.
The Hebrew word for "pour out" suggests a continuously flowing fountain, indicating that wisdom is abundantly available to those who are open to it.
A key question for self-examination is: If a current direction isn't working, are you willing to go a different way?
The anecdote about the groundhog illustrates the struggle with humility and receiving wisdom from others, even in seemingly small matters.
VI. Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom (Proverbs 1:24-31)
Despite wisdom's persistent calls, individuals can refuse to listen, disregard her warnings, and not accept her rebuke.
A "word of contrast" ("but") introduces the consequences of this refusal.
Lady Wisdom states that when "disaster strikes," "calamity overtakes," "storm," "whirlwind," "distress," and "trouble overwhelm" those who rejected her, she will "laugh" and "mock."
This is not depicted as wisdom actively punishing, but rather describing the natural consequences of living outside of how the world works according to wisdom.
Wisdom simply observes the predictable negative outcomes of unwise choices ("I told you so").
Her response is proportional to the level of rejection; repeated rejection leads to more significant consequences.
Lady Wisdom illustrates how rejecting her guidance ultimately leads to self-inflicted harm.
The analogy of ignoring warnings in national parks (like about bears or bison) and suffering injury illustrates the principle of predictable negative outcomes for ignoring clear warnings based on how the world works.
When disaster strikes, those who rejected wisdom may call out to her, but she will not answer or be found easily.
This is because they "hated knowledge," "did not choose to fear the Lord," "would not accept my advice," and "spurned my rebuke."
As a result, they "will eat the fruit of the ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes," meaning they will face the natural negative results of their own choices.
VII. The Fear of the Lord and Living Wisely
Rejecting wisdom is linked to not choosing "to fear the Lord."
"Fearing the Lord" is presented as foundational to becoming a wise person.
This involves understanding one's position in relation to God, the Creator of the universe.
It's a recognition of God's vast knowledge, power, and awesomeness compared to human limitations.
The fear of the Lord leads to a willingness to be guided and led by God's wisdom.
VIII. Waywardness, Complacency, and Destruction (Proverbs 1:32)
"The waywardness of the simple will kill them" and "the complacency of fools will destroy them."
This is not a threat but a statement of predictable outcomes based on how the world works.
Unwise choices can lead to detrimental and ultimately destructive results.
Examples from true crime shows (Dateline) are used to illustrate how a pattern of unwise choices (partying, drinking, unhealthy relationships) often precedes negative and destructive outcomes.
Humans sometimes believe they are exceptions to these principles ("not for me, I'm really special").
While individuals are unique and special in being created in God's image, wisdom states that the natural consequences apply to everyone.
IX. The Promise for Those Who Listen (Proverbs 1:33)
Despite the negative consequences for rejecting wisdom, there is a pivot and a promise for those who listen.
"But whoever listens to me will live at safety and be at ease without fear of harm."
This paints a picture of the positive outcomes for embracing wisdom: safety, ease, and freedom from the fear of harm.
The story of the prodigal son is used as an analogy for the possibility of returning to wisdom even after experiencing the negative consequences of going astray.
X. Christ as the Wisdom of God
The wisdom described in Proverbs ultimately points forward.
While the author of Proverbs likely didn't know the full future, the wisdom of God is ultimately embodied in Jesus Christ.
First Corinthians 1:24 states that "Christ is the wisdom of God."
The wisdom of God, embodied in Christ, saves.
Jesus lived a life of perfect wisdom and showed humanity how to live wisely on earth, demonstrating God's heart, love, grace, and holiness.
Living life well involves following wisdom, living with eternity in mind, and knowing the ultimate wisdom of God, which is Jesus Christ.
XI. Conclusion: Will You Answer?
The central question remains: Will you answer wisdom's call?
Answering requires humility and potentially slowing down to quiet the noise and listen.
Quiz
How does wisdom literature differ from historical narratives or gospels in the Bible?
In the book of Proverbs, what is the general relationship between following proverbial truths and the outcome of one's life?
Identify two specific public locations where Lady Wisdom is described as calling out. What does this signify about wisdom's availability?
According to the text, what are two primary obstacles that can prevent people from pursuing wisdom?
What three types of people are identified as not embracing wisdom in Proverbs 1:22?
What does "repentance" mean in the context of receiving wisdom?
If someone repents at wisdom's rebuke, how does Lady Wisdom promise to respond?
When wisdom says she will laugh and mock when disaster strikes those who rejected her, what is the intended meaning? Is she actively punishing them?
According to Proverbs 1:29, what fundamental choice is linked to hating knowledge and spurning wisdom's advice?
Who is ultimately presented as the embodiment of the wisdom of God?
Quiz Answer Key
Wisdom literature, like Proverbs, describes how the world generally works and provides directives for living life well, whereas historical narratives and gospels focus on God's laws, promises, and redemptive history.
Generally, following the truths laid out in Proverbs leads to life going well, while going against them results in life not going as well.
Lady Wisdom calls out in the public square and at the city gate. This signifies that wisdom is not hidden but is openly available to everyone.
Two primary obstacles to pursuing wisdom are pride and busyness.
The three types of people identified are simple people, mockers, and fools.
In this context, repentance means seeing that one is living wrongly or going in the wrong direction, acknowledging it, and turning to go a different way according to wisdom's guidance.
If someone repents, Lady Wisdom promises to pour out her thoughts and make her teachings known to them, like a continuously flowing fountain.
This is not presented as active punishment by wisdom. Instead, it illustrates the predictable, natural negative consequences that occur when people reject wisdom and choose unwise paths, and wisdom observing those outcomes.
Not choosing to fear the Lord is the fundamental choice linked to hating knowledge and spurning wisdom's advice.
Jesus Christ is ultimately presented as the embodiment of the wisdom of God.
Essay Format Questions
Analyze the personification of Lady Wisdom in Proverbs chapter one. How does this literary device emphasize the nature and availability of wisdom? Discuss the significance of the specific locations where she calls out.
Discuss the obstacles of pride and busyness in the pursuit of wisdom as presented in the text. How do these factors prevent individuals from receiving and applying wisdom, and what are the potential consequences?
Explain the concept of "repentance" in the context of Proverbs 1. How is humility essential to this process, and what is promised to those who are willing to repent at wisdom's rebuke?
Explore the consequences described for those who reject Lady Wisdom's call. Discuss the nature of these consequences and the distinction made between wisdom's "laughter" and direct punishment. Use an analogy from the text or your own understanding to illustrate this point.
Explain the connection between "the fear of the Lord" and becoming a wise person according to the text. How does understanding God's nature influence one's openness to receiving and living by wisdom?
Glossary of Key Terms
Wisdom Literature: A genre of biblical writing that explores fundamental questions about life, morality, suffering, and the pursuit of knowledge, often offering practical advice and insights into how the world works. Proverbs is a prime example.
Proverbial Wisdom: Directives and principles for living life skillfully and well, as presented in the book of Proverbs. These are general truths, not absolute laws or promises.
Fear of God (or Fear of the Lord): In the context of Proverbs, this is not simply being afraid of God, but a reverent awe, respect, and submission to God's authority and understanding of one's position in relation to the Creator. It is presented as foundational to wisdom.
Lady Wisdom: The personification of wisdom as a woman in the book of Proverbs, depicted as actively calling out and offering guidance.
Simple: In Proverbs, this refers to those who are naive, easily led astray, and lack discernment. They have not yet committed to either wisdom or folly.
Mockers: Those who scorn wisdom, ridicule instruction, and are resistant to correction.
Fools: In Proverbs, this refers to those who actively reject knowledge, hate instruction, and are set in their foolish ways.
Repentance: To see the wrongness of one's actions or direction, to acknowledge it, and to turn away from that path to go in a different direction.
Rebuke: A sharp expression of disapproval or criticism; correction offered by wisdom.
Pour Out: Used metaphorically to describe wisdom abundantly and continuously being made available to those who are open to receiving it.
Waywardness: The state of being disobedient, rebellious, or straying from the correct path.
Complacency: A feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements, often leading to a lack of vigilance or effort.
Ramifications: The consequences or results of a particular action or set of conditions.
Christ as the Wisdom of God: A theological concept, particularly highlighted in the New Testament (1 Corinthians), where Jesus Christ is understood to embody the ultimate wisdom of God and the means of salvation.
