“For the turning away of the simple shall slay them and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But whoever listens to me shall dwell in safety and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:32-33
Turning away from the wisdom revealed in God’s Word — even if some who do so prosper for a time in this world — leads to death and destruction. But those who hear and heed God’s Word, repenting of sin and evil and looking in faith to the LORD God for mercy, shall dwell in safety and be at ease in the face of evil.
Grant that I hear and heed Your Word, O God, repent of my sinful ways and look to You for mercy in the wounds of Your Son and my Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the Revised Common Version of the Bible.]
“Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me early, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, they would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof. Therefore they will eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.” Proverbs 1:28-31
Those who reject the counsel and wisdom of God’s Word and choose not to walk in “the fear of the LORD” will “eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.” When they call on the LORD, He will not answer. When they seek Him, they will not find Him. Why? Because they reject the truth revealed in the Bible.
Grant that I love Your Word, O LORD, and walk in Your ways. Amen.
“Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no man regarded, because you neglected all my counsel, and would have none of my reproof, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear comes, when your fear comes as desolation and your destruction comes as a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you.” Proverbs 1:24-27
Those who reject and mock at the true wisdom which God reveals in His Word will have the tables turned when they receive the fruits of their foolishness and their lives are in ruins. Those who refuse to repent of their sinful ways and look in faith to Christ and His cross for pardon and forgiveness will suffer the eternal consequences of their sin and spurning of the truth.
Grant that I both hear and heed Your Word, O LORD, repent of my sins and look to Christ for forgiveness and the strength to amend my ways. Amen.
”Wisdom cries out in the street; she utters her voice in the markets. She cries at the corner of the streets, in the openings of the gates; she speaks her words in the city, saying: ‘How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge. Turn at my reproof; surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.’” Proverbs 1:20-23
The wisdom of God is recorded in the Bible for all to read. It is preached in the streets and in public places for all to hear. It calls upon sinners to repent of their foolish and sinful ways and look to the LORD God for mercy. It asks people how long they will continue in their foolishness. And, it makes those who hear “wise unto salvation through the faith that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15).
Grant that I hear Your Word and heed its message, O LORD, repenting of my sins and looking to You for mercy in the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. Proverbs 1:10
Because of our fallen and selfish nature, the get-rich schemes and plans of unbelievers are enticing. They urge us to join in their endeavors and share in their profits, often ill-gotten from others. God’s Word tells us, “do not consent,” have no part in it.
Keep me from the alluring schemes of this world, O LORD, and grant that I be honest in all my dealings and trust in You to provide all my needs. In the name of Christ Jesus, my Savior, I pray. Amen.