He
layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Proverbs Reveals The Value Of Godly Wisdom: Prov 1:20-23
20) Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in
the streets:
21) She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in
the openings of the gates:
in the city she uttereth her words, [saying],
22) How long, ye simple ones, will ye love
simplicity?
and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools
hate knowledge?
23) Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out
my spirit unto you,
I will make known my words unto you.
INTRODUCTION:
Solomon continues to
explain his motives in writing the Proverbs by reminding his students of the
importance, and value, in the reception of wisdom.
EXPOSITION:
Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:
Solomon
pictures wisdom as a woman who is calling out an invitation to all that can
hear her.
Who
is this wisdom? Throughout the book of
Proverbs, wisdom is a representation of two related, but different, characters. The one character behind this symbol is the inspired
Word of God which gives men wisdom for living.
Secondly,
wisdom is also representative of the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself (especially seen
in Proverbs 8: and 9:). If we think about it, this is a common concept
found in the New Testament description of the Messiah. The title “Word” not only applies to the
inspired, written word of God (1 Thess 2:13, Romans 10:17); but also, it
applies to the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:1-14; 1 John 1:1).
“But unto them which
are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of
God.” 1Cor 1:24
In
this use of symbolism, we have the written words of wisdom (the Scriptures) inviting
mankind to come, hear and follow its teachings.
And we also have the Lord Jesus Christ inviting men to come unto Him for
spiritual life, spiritual sight and the indwelling Spirit.
As
a side note wisdom is said to speak in the New Testament also…
“Therefore
also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and [some]
of them they shall slay and persecute: That
the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world,
may be required of this generation; From
the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar
and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.” Luke
11:49-51
She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of
the gates:
Wisdom
is crying out in the places of great noise to the great mass of people gathered
in the meeting places. She does this in
an effort to share with her truthful teachings with as many as possible and to
stand in opposition to the false teachings that are in the world.
She
also cries out at the gates to the city where the city judges render verdicts
and non-citizens enter into the cities walls.
She does this in the hope of sharing wisdom with those who hold
authority and rule over the people. She
also ministers here desiring to reach out to the aliens and strangers that are
rejected by many.
We
are to follow the example of Christ and proclaim His Word everywhere we come
into contact with others…
“Jesus
answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and
in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said
nothing.” John 18:20
in the city she uttereth her words, [saying], How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity?
and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
As
she spoke in the many varied sections of the city, she attempted to supply the
needs of the people by inviting them to meet with her and listen to her words. In this verse, she is addressing three of the
greatest hindrances to to receiving her words….
1. Simplicity – gullible, easily misled, - Those
who are easily enticed to believe a false message of wisdom.
2.
Scorning – to mock, to interpret falsely
– Those who reject and ridicule the truth.
This can also involve twisting wisdom into teachings of error.
3.
Foolishness – to be silly, wrong-headed –
Those who do not take their spiritual condition, nor the message of wisdom
seriously.
Why do
all these attitudes appear in the lives of the lost? It is because they are blinded to the truths
of His Word and can only be opened by the gracious intervention of God…
And
in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall
hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not
perceive: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and [their]
ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time
they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should
understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But
blessed [are] your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. Matt
13:14-16
Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known
my words unto you.
We
can see one of the greatest roles of wisdom… to warn and keep others from
making poor harmful choices. She is
asking all three of the above groups to accept her correction and change the
direction they are headed.
What is
the benefit that is awaiting those who follow wisdom’s advice? It is the guarantee
that the same spirit of understanding and submission possessed by Christ will
flow freely to these people. This will
result in their understanding of the truths of wisdom. This is a solemn reminder to both the Old and
New Testament believers that the submissive, humble spirit that was exemplified
in Christ must be active in the life of the saint for them to come to a full
understanding of God’s Word. By sharing in the mind of Christ we share in His
truths as well…
“Now
we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God;
that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. … For
who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Cor 2:12-16
This
gift is to be given only to those who have submitted themselves to the
teachings of wisdom. For those who
refuse to turn at wisdom’s reproof, we find that a different spirit would be
given to them…
“For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath
closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.” Isa 29:10
SUMMARY:
Wisdom
(a symbol of God’s Word and the Lord Himself) issues a call to turn from the
ways of the world and come in an attitude of submission and belief. It is only through accepting this invitation
that we can receive the spirit (mind, attitude) of wisdom and come to an understanding
of the Word.
By
God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value
that they deserve.
May the
Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
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