Do You Hear Wisdom's Cry?

 

2023 is upon us. The world seems to be confused in the concepts of science, gender, business, family, education, and on and on, as to what their end product ought to be – that of truth and wisdom. Without truth and wisdom this world is going to fall apart.

Remember: * One is only as good as what one loves. * All the beautiful sentiments in the world weigh less than a single lovely action. * One of the nice things about problems is that a good many of them only exist in our imaginations. * To err is human – to blame it on someone else is really human. * Too many people are praying for mountains of difficulty to be removed when what they really need is courage to climb them. * Everyone has the right to criticize – who has the heart to help? * If you want to get even with someone, start with someone who has helped you. * Remember not only to say the right thing at the right time and place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. * We have no one to blame but ourselves when our enthusiasm and zeal are gone because we have failed to feed them. * When you speak, remember God is one of your listeners. * If some lies for you, how do you know they won’t lie to you? * Leaving in a huff is some folks favorite form of transportation.

[Proverbs 1:20-33] Wisdom is all around begging for someone to listen. It cries out in the street, in the markets, at the head of the noisy streets, and at the entrance of the city gates (v. 20-21). Solomon’s point is that wisdom can be found if we will simply open our eyes and ears. If we truly want wisdom, we will stop loving to be “simple” and stop delighting in scoffing because “…fools hate knowledge” (V. 22). It is comforting to know that God reveals himself to those who seek Him. God does not hide out in a dark corner as seekers pass by, but Solomon assures us that He “makes His words known” to us, He calls us, and He stretches out His hand for us (v. 23-24). We do not have to worry about missing God. He makes himself known to those who pay attention, but “…will laugh at your calamity” if you ignore Him and “…will mock when your terror comes” (v. 25-27).

Why is it that people who do not have a relationship with God seem to go to Him when things get bad in life? They either go to Him seeking comfort or they point to Him with blame in their heart. If there was no prior relationship or seeking of God’s wisdom before such tragedies, “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer. They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, they will have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke. Therefore, they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies” (v. 28-31). God is very blunt about our timing in seeking Him. If our relationship with God is lacking before disaster strikes, what reason do we have to hope for help?

Words of encouragement are written for those who hear wisdom’s cry. Justice and mercy are for those on both sides of this discussion, “For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. But whoever listens to me will dwell safely and will be secure without fear of evil” (v.32-33). Let us seek the wisdom of God and seek a relationship with Him constantly in good times as well as bad. God does not ration out wisdom, but “…gives to all liberally and without reproach” (James 1:5). Wisdom is crying aloud. If you haven’t observed it or have not heard it, open your eyes and ears, and do not ignore it. If you were to step into eternity this day, I guarantee your relationship with God, or the lack there of, is going to decide your eternal destiny.