Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: "How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing & fools hate knowledge? If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. Because I have called & you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand & no one has heeded, because you have ignored all my counsel & would have none of my reproof, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you, when terror strikes you like a storm & your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress & anguish come upon you. Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me. Because they hated knowledge & did not choose the fear of the Lord, would have none of my counsel & despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, & have their fill of their own devices. For the simple are killed by their turning away, & the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to me will dwell secure & will be at ease, without dread of disaster. Proverbs 1:20-33
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 12:15
"For my people are foolish; they know me not; they are stupid children; they have no understanding. They are 'wise'--in doing evil! But how to do good they know not." Jeremiah 4:22
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:17
*Our most gracious heavenly Father, Your Word "is living & active, sharper than any two-edged sword". Please use this Word to "pierce the division of soul & of spirit, of joints & of marrow, & discern the thoughts & intentions of our hearts". We want so much to be sanctified by Your truth, by Your wisdom, as found in Your Word. Please continue to instruct us, so that we will be wise people who follow hard after You, seeking to do Your will & walk in Your ways in all of our thoughts, words, & deeds to the glory of Your holy name. Show us the areas in our lives where we are being foolish, & then give us the strength to conform our lives to Your Word. We love You so much, please help us to love you more. In Christ's holy name, Amen.
