Imagine a father and son in the car talking about the important matters of life. The radio is on, but it provides only background noise. However, at a pause in the conversation both father and son realize that the radio is tuned in to a preacher. He is speaking on the very topic they have been discussing.  Both father and son grow silent, and they listen as the preacher call out to those who would listen and be directed to righteousness.

That is essentially what is happening in chapter one of Proverbs. In verses 8-19, the father was speaking to his son and at a pause in the conversation, they heard the voice of wisdom cry out. She is calling her listeners to flee foolishness and embrace her as she will lead them to righteousness. The father and son stop their conversation to listen.

Why the Disparity?

But have you ever wondered why Proverbs 1:20-33 is so negative? Lady Wisdom seems less than happy, even angry, as she cries out to the simple ones.  There is a sense of exasperation in her voice, “How long” will the simple love being simple while the scoffers delight in their scoffing?

What is more, she lacks sympathy for those who do not heed her call. She will laugh at the calamity of the simple and mock when terror strikes. When she is finally called upon, she will turn a deaf ear, she will remain silent. What is happening? What is Solomon describing?

To Whom Does Wisdom Cry?

To whom is Wisdom calling? That is a crucial question when thinking about this portion of the Proverbs. The text provides us with clues that will guide us. For example, in verse 23 we read, “If you turn at my reproof…” The word turn is the Hebrew (Šûb) word for repentance. Thus, when Lady Wisdom is calling to the simple or to those who do not possess wisdom we might well assume she is issuing a call of repentance. They are trapped in the foolishness of their sin. So deluded are they that they even delight in it.

But Lady Wisdom is really calling. She is really inviting the simple to hear and with her words come a promise. If the simple repent, she will pour out her spirit on them (v.23). The words pour out are a tame translation. The Hebrew communicates the idea of an uncontrolled gushing forth (ʾabbîʿâ). The spirit of wisdom will pour forth like a torrent.

Furthermore, she will make her words known to them (v. 23). The outpouring of the Spirit and the repentance will work in concert making the contrite to understand wisdom. The words of Lady Wisdom will be living words. Here in the Old Testament, we find the same Spirit enabled repentance of the New Testament.

Is it Ever too Late?

According to Solomon, a day will arrive when it will be too late for repentance. He seems to describe a day of terrible judgment.  This may be the day of personal judgment (a heart attack, accident, etc.) or a great cataclysmic day when all opportunity for turning will have come to an end, which will obviously close the door to individual repentance, “Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer…” (v. 28a) The reason is “Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord” (v. 29). We might say that they rejected not only wisdom but the building block of wisdom, the fear of the Lord.

This should remind us of the urgency of the gospel. Time is short. Today is the day of Salvation.

Are There Those Who Hear?

Lady Wisdom is calling to simple ones on the street and in the market, but Proverbs 31 paints a picture of another woman, a woman who embodies the wisdom that called to her at one time. Solomon writes about wisdom in Proverbs 3:13-15, saying,

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
                 and the one who gets understanding,
                       ¹⁴ for the gain from her is better than gain from silver
                 and her profit better than gold.
                      ¹⁵ She is more precious than jewels,
                and nothing you desire can compare with her.

In Proverbs 31:10, he uses these words to describe a godly wife, saying, “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.” Here we find a Mary (Luke 10:38-42) who has heard wisdom and chosen the One needful thing and she will not let Him go. For wisdom that saves is Christ alone who opens the heart by the work of His Spirit that we might experience through repentance and faith the joy of the Lord. This begins with the fear of the Lord.