When we reject wisdom

In this passage, we see the dangers of rejecting God’s wisdom and clinging to our own ways.

As I look at this passage, it makes me think of Noah.  For 120 years before the flood came, he preached to the people, warning them of the disaster to come.

As “Wisdom” does in this passage, he probably cried out in the public squares and the streets, “How long will you cling to your simple ways.  You lack a moral compass, and as a result, you are so gullible to whatever the devil says, and it’s leading you into all kinds of evil.”

(This, by the way, is essentially what the word “simple” means in the book of Proverbs.)

Noah likely rebuked the people further saying, “How long will you mock what God has said?  How long will you hate the knowledge that he longs to pass on to you?”

And God through Noah, probably cried out to the people, “If you would just listen to my rebuke, I would pour out my heart to you.  I would reveal to you my thoughts.

“But instead you reject me and give me no heed though I reach out to you.  You ignore my counsel, and you reject my rebuke.”

Then the flood came.  And when it did, the people finally called out to God, but he would not answer.  Though they looked for him, they could not find him.  Why?

Because they hated knowledge, and refused to fear the Lord.  And so they ate the fruit of their deeds.  Their simple ways killed them, and their complacency destroyed them.

But for Noah and his family, they found safety, and were without fear from harm.

How about you?

When you lack a moral compass, when you consider all values relative, and you live complacently in your sin, it will ultimately destroy you.  It wrecks your life here on earth, and it will ultimately banish you to hell.

And once you’re there, it’s too late.  God will not hear you, and you will eat the fruit of all you did here on this earth.

But while you’re still here on earth, there is still hope.

So repent.  Accept God’s  rebuke in your life.  Open your ears to him; soften your heart to him, and he will open his heart to you.  He will show you the way to life.

Not just the way to heaven, but to a full life here on earth as well.  A life filled with his joy and peace.

Let us be like Noah, constantly listening to and following after God.  And when the storm hits, we will find a place of safety and ease, with no fear of harm.