January 7

If you turn at my reproof,
behold, I will pour out my spirit to you;
I will make my words known to you.
Because I have called and you refused to listen,
have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded,
because you have ignored all my counsel
and 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
and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
when distress and anguish come upon you.
Proverbs 1:23-27

These verses continue wisdom's personified perspective on those who refuse her (1:20-33).

In verse 23 Lady Wisdom makes her offer. Her promise of help is generous and she appears ready to fulfill it. But before entering into contract with us she gives her one condition: that we listen and "turn" from our errors. If we are willing to hear and heed then she assures us discretion as she "pours out" her "spirit" on us.

This makes living in anything less than wisdom our fault. There is no doubt who shoulders the blame. We are the ones who choose not to listen. There is no excuse or appeal on grounds that wisdom was unavailable. We could have had her counsel and her correction. It isn't a problem with wisdom - it's a problem with us.

And in verses 24-27 she begins to disclose the consequences of refusing her consultation. The results of our rejection are ironically laughable - but only to her. When disaster and tragedy leave us at a loss, wisdom will laugh. Our refusal to listen to her results in her refusal to care. When we need her most she is gone. She feels no guilt for it.

Most of us don't like how this sounds. It makes us a little uneasy. We feel like everyone deserves another chance and that no one is beyond help. We expect that learning from our mistakes is a right. And while it may be that God would graciously interrupt our stubborn stupidity by granting His wisdom, He is not bound to do so. While His mercy may restore perspective and peace, He may instead mock our misery. He is not obligated to help the obstinate.

Don't "harden your neck" to wisdom. It isn't wise (Proverbs 29:1).