Proverbs 8:1–5: Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors: “To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart.
Insight
In His mercy, the Lord continues to call to sinners because He is “long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Wisdom returns to the crowded places of the city and calls out so everyone may hear. But note that she addresses the simple and the fools but not the scorners (8:5). They had laughed at her message and turned away from the truth, so their opportunities were over, not because God wasn’t speaking but because their hearts were too hard to hear. “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Heb. 4:7–8). See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. 1
Application
God is merciful, and God is longsuffering. But God is also silent to those who have resisted Him and whose hearts have become hard. Is your heart dangerously close to becoming hard for all eternity? Do not be a fool. Cry out to Him for help today.
Motivation
On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. John 7:37
When you listen to Him, you hear everything you need to know. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, may my ears hear, and accept, and believe, and obey Your Words forevermore.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Skillful. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
