Our Daily Dose
Day 195 of 365 · Week 28 · Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
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The Call of Wisdom
Proverbs 1:20-33
Scripture · Proverbs 1:20-33
20Wisdom calls out in the street, she lifts her voice in the square; 21in the main concourse she cries aloud, at the city gates she makes her speech: 22“How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge? 23If you had repented at my rebuke, then surely I would have poured out my spirit on you; I would have made my words known to you. 24Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, 25because you neglected all my counsel, and wanted none of my correction, 26in turn I will mock your calamity; I will sneer when terror strikes you, 27when your dread comes like a storm, and your destruction like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish overwhelm you. 28Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will earnestly seek me, but will not find me. 29For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD. 30They accepted none of my counsel; they despised all my reproof. 31So they will eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. 32For the waywardness of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. 33But whoever listens to me will dwell in safety, secure from the fear of evil.”
Berean Standard Bible (BSB), public domain.
Wisdom is personified as a woman calling out in the streets, urging people to listen and turn away from their foolish ways. This passage highlights the urgency of responding to wisdom’s call and the consequences of ignoring it.
- “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.’”
Exegesis and Study
- Wisdom’s Public Appeal: Wisdom is depicted as crying out in public places, such as the city gates and streets, where people gather. This imagery suggests that wisdom is not hidden or esoteric but is available to all who are willing to listen. It is a public call to righteousness and understanding, accessible to anyone who chooses to heed it.
- The Consequences of Ignoring Wisdom: The passage also warns of the dangers of ignoring wisdom’s call. Those who reject wisdom are depicted as choosing a path of folly that leads to disaster. The consequences of ignoring wisdom are severe, and wisdom warns that a time will come when it will be too late to seek her. This serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of responding to God’s guidance while we have the opportunity.
Prayer Guide
- Pray for Ears to Hear Wisdom’s Call: Ask God to open your ears and heart to the call of wisdom. Pray that you would be attentive to God’s guidance in your life and responsive to His instruction.
- Pray for Courage to Repent: Reflect on any areas of your life where you may have been ignoring wisdom or choosing folly. Pray for the courage to repent and to turn toward God’s wisdom, trusting that He will guide you on the right path.
This devotional is one day from Our Daily Dose, a 365-day journey through Scripture by Armstrong & Zanele Ogwuche.
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Scripture is shown in public-domain translations, so you can share it freely. The study text is from Our Daily Dose by Armstrong & Zanele Ogwuche.
A daily devotional from KingdomOS. Share freely; every card links back here.
A daily devotional from KingdomOS. Share freely; every card links back here.