August 2, 2011

Proverbs 1:20-33 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Luke 12:49-53, 1 Timothy 1:12-20, Ezra 2

Journal Entry

Scripture

(Proverbs 1:29-33) - 32For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; 33but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster."

Observation

Yay, the Proverbs are here!

In these verses, wisdom, personified as a woman, calls on everyone (vv. 20-23), but not everyone receives her. She offers great blessing to those who listen (v. 33), but warns of terrible consequences to those who reject her (v. 32). When trouble comes, as they inevitably do, those who reject wisdom will be haunted by their foolish decision (vv. 24-28).

So, who is the voice of wisdom? Ultimately, it is the voice of God. That said, these verses paint a stark contrast because the devastation of rejecting God’s voice and the blessing of submitting to it.

Application

The struggle I have is not an inability to hear God’s voice – I hear his voice crystal clearly every time I open the Bible (e.g., trust God, love as Jesus loves, glorify God in all things, act justly, love mercy, walk humbly, etc.). And, I can apply these to my daily life so that I know what God’s will is in most situations. Rather, the struggle is my unwillingness to lay down my own will and submit to the voice of God. I am among those who have “refused to listen” and “ignored all my counsel” (vv. 24, 25) because what God wants isn't what I want.

I often justify my actions by saying, “If God would just tell me what I should do, then I would do it!,” as if what prevents me from acting is the silence of God. But, the truth is, even when I hear God, I still don’t do it. My problem is not a lack of discernment, but a lack of submission. Simply put, I want to do things my way. And, just as the Proverbs warn, when I reject God’s counsel, I experience the painful consequences of my foolish decision.

In response, I will be mindful to heed God’s voice today, that I may also enjoy the blessing of being “at ease, without dread of disaster (v. 33).

Prayer

Father, I ask you to help, not only my ears to be open to your voice, but also my heart to be surrendered to your will. Help me to listen to your rebuke and never turn away your counsel. In Jesus’ name, amen.

--P. Michael