“Wisdom shouts in the street, She raises her voice in the markets; 21She calls out at the head of the noisy streets [where large crowds gather]; At the entrance of the city gates she speaks her words:” Proverbs 1:20-21 AMP

As we look around the world today, we see many voices crying out in the wilderness “this is the way, walk ye in it!” How then does one know which of these voices is the true way to freedom? Proverbs chapter one gives a hope that the right one can be heard. In verse 20, the writer likened wisdom to a real and hearable voice. The word “shouts” is the Hebrew word meaning “to signal with a loud noise,” like a warning siren, or “to call to battle by blowing an audible instrument.”  The response to hearing that sound is an action or active response. 

Notice that the writer acknowledges that there are many voices crying out in “the market!” He reminds us that there are many voices which can be heard on the “noisy streets.” Yet, over them all, wisdom can be heard if one is willing to hear! In verse 22 & 23 we read,

“How long, O naive ones [you who are easily misled], will you love being simple-minded and undiscerning? How long will scoffers [who ridicule and deride] delight in scoffing, How long will fools [who obstinately mock truth] hate knowledge? 23“If you will turn and pay attention to my rebuke, Behold, I [Wisdom] will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.” Proverbs 1:22-23 AMP

Solomon asks the reader to consider their condition. The words translated “naïve” and “simple-minded” are the same in the Hebrew. The word speaks of persons who are easily deceived or persuaded, showing lack of wisdom, and understanding, yet having the capacity to change their condition! The Scripture seems to indicate here that this “simpleness” is driven from a person’s disrespect for wisdom and its benefits! Scoffing is the practice of speaking words of disrespect for the object, and making fun of the object, with a focus of speaking in the situation with confidence and authority. We see that clearer each day as the world tries to negate the truth of God’s Word and replace it with its own fabricated lie! The good news is that if we are truly willing to hear, wisdom will prevail! Verse 23 clearly states that we must “turn and pay attention” to the rebuke of God’s Word. Here is where the problem begins! It is hard for people to acknowledge that they are wrong. 

“He who hardens his neck and refuses instruction after being often reproved (corrected, criticized), Will suddenly be broken beyond repair.” Proverbs 29:1 AMP

The result of the rejection of truth is brokenness! We see that playing out around us every day as the world tries to silence their conscience and validate their behavior. ;It is now past the point of just scoffing at the believer but has taken on a violent route persecution. Jesus told His disciples,

“Blessed [comforted by inner peace and God’s love] are those who are persecuted for doing that which is morally right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever]” Matthew 5:10 AMP

The Apostle Peter wrote,

“But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness [though it is not certain that you will], you are still blessed [happy, to be admired and favored by God]. DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THEIR INTIMIDATING THREATS, NOR BE TROUBLED or DISTURBED [by their opposition]” 1 Peter 3:14 AMP

We are not looking for persecution or confrontation, but it is inevitable that it will come! When it does, stay the course! The benefits of keeping God’s Word far outweigh anything that we could possibly gain here!

Have a blessed day! Pastor Ken