Proverbs 1:20-33
THE childhood game of ‘truth and consequence’ is not just a game but projects the hard realities in life we all need to face. Truth allows for freedom not to believe but we don’t have a choice when it comes to paying the consequences. Proverbs are guides to wisdom, not guarantees. One author said “Wisdom is the ability to make godly choices” ...another concurred with “Choices chart the course of our life”. Gordon Fee commented about the book of Proverbs, “It’s not written to give automatic success”. Quick success and automatic prosperity is not God’s handywork, in fact it’s more demonic than godly.
The bible calls those who reject wisdom as fools...not referring to the mentally challenged but to the stubbornness of people who reject the offer of wisdom—preferring their own ways. The bible also calls those who reject God as fools (Psalm 14:1). Nothing beats the foolishness of those who know the truth and yet deny its application! It is wrong to assume that wisdom has long-suffering; the truth is wisdom is so patient but has its own expiration. Wisdom is no longer available for a person when the heart is numb. Here, wisdom becomes your mocker and laughs at your calamity. Unwise choices in life are related to the spiritual state of your heart. Wisdom is a heart issue more than a head issue. For the heart to find wisdom, it needs God’s intervention. Be thou my vision, Lord Jesus.
1. Wisdom offers chance (verses 20-24)
The word “chance” here has everything to do with God’s grace to take an opportunity to do what’s right; the discipline to stay right; and the humility to go back to the right path. Here’s the deal...wisdom offers the chance, we respond to:
· The chance of reflection to look up and think hard about our mess and the offer of God’s grace!
· The chance to repent...to change our minds and change our direction.
· The chance of restitution...Luke 19:8 “Meanwhile Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said “ I will give half of my wealth to the poor Lord, and if I have cheated on their taxes I will give them back four times as much.”
· The chance of redemption...a builder instead of a destroyer, a giver instead of a taker, a healer instead of the culprit, a saint instead of a sinner.
2. Wisdom honors choice (verses 24-25)
Here are some thoughts about choice:
· Choices are free but consequences are paid (sin now pay later)
· In making a choice, you cannot have both...one must go.
· Your company will influence your choices and convictions.
· Choices don’t only have a pay-out, they also have a payback.
3. Wisdom warns about consquences (verses 26-33)
Wisdom now wears a black judicial robe... ready to mockingly pronounce the verdict. What is so painful about payback time is not only the lives you destroyed but to be reminded of the chance you had to avoid the predicament of paying consequences!
Long-term consequences are those pay-backs that never erase the shame. Lifelong consequences...Proverbs 29:1 says this clearly “Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery”.
Abba, help me avail of and apply the chances offered by wisdom... to change, to repent, to do right in restitution and to be redeemed...a chance to live and end well. Lord, have mercy on me a sinner. Amen
Abba, I can’t trust my choices anymore. Help me choose the fear of the LORD in all I do. Lord, hear my prayers. Amen
Abba, grant me the grace to face the consequences of my foolish choices ...and more grace so I may learn to avoid more foolish choices ahead. Help me look at the cross where fools like me can become wise by believing in Christ Your Son, and become your beloved too. Amen