PROVERBS 1
20 Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice;
21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
22 “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?
23 If you turn at my reproof, behold,
I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.
24 Because I have called and you refused to listen,
have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded,
25 because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof,
26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you,
– Proverbs 1:20-26
PROVERBS 1 WISDOM CRIES OUT
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
The Lord announces his wisdom by giving us his words
He cries it out loud so all people can navigate this world
He pours out his Spirit so we can be able to walk in love and truth
He wants us to allow all things written in his word to take root in us.
It is interesting how Solomon personified “wisdom” as a woman in this chapter. It is like a woman who is so concerned for her people and constantly warning them to follow what is good for them. In the following verses, especially in verse 23-26, the “wisdom” is like a very caring mother warning her children to follow her instructions and advice.
Why does Solomon talk about wisdom’s voice out loud in the markets, noisy streets, city gates entrances? According to bibleref.com the reason for staging this image in the marketplace is visibility. The market is a crowded, public area, one where everyone in the community needs to go. In other words, Solomon is suggesting that wisdom is accessible to anyone and everyone who actually wants it. And, because she “cries aloud” and “raises her voice” in a public place, even those who aren’t specifically seeking her are going to encounter her, at least by accident. Wisdom does not hide itself. It is clear and present. Even those who don’t seek wisdom will stumble into it, at times. The only way to completely avoid wisdom is to purposefully ignore it.
REFLECTION
- Why do you think some people ignore wisdom when it’s available to all?
