WHY IT MATTERS //

God presents two choices in Proverbs: to live as a fool (ignorant of God’s morality) or to live as a wise person who submits to God’s wisdom in humility. Wisdom is a gift from God, as he makes known to us the right way to live in order to be fruitful and honor Him. This requires humility on our part as we submit ourselves ad exchange our thoughts and ways for His.

WHAT IT'S TALKING ABOUT // 

The writer of Proverbs personifies Wisdom as a person shouting in the streets and crying out in the public square. This is a picture of how the wisdom of God is available to us, yet must be received and exchanged for foolishness. Proverbs constantly gives warning for those who reject wisdom and admonishment for those who choose to receive it.

Proverbs 1: 20-33 NLT

20 Wisdom shouts in the streets.
    She cries out in the public square.
21 She calls to the crowds along the main street,
    to those gathered in front of the city gate:
22 “How long, you simpletons,
    will you insist on being simpleminded?
How long will you mockers relish your mocking?
    How long will you fools hate knowledge?
23 Come and listen to my counsel.
I’ll share my heart with you
    and make you wise.
24 “I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come.
    I reached out to you, but you paid no attention.
25 You ignored my advice
    and rejected the correction I offered.
26 So I will laugh when you are in trouble!
    I will mock you when disaster overtakes you—
27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
    when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone,
    and anguish and distress overwhelm you.
28 “When they cry for help, I will not answer.
    Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me.
29 For they hated knowledge
    and chose not to fear the Lord.
30 They rejected my advice
    and paid no attention when I corrected them.
31 Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way,
    choking on their own schemes.
32 For simpletons turn away from me—to death.
    Fools are destroyed by their own complacency.
33 But all who listen to me will live in peace,
    untroubled by fear of harm.”