Proverbs 1:20-23 Wisdom cries without; she utters her voice in the streets:… I. THE MESSAGE. 1. Eastern method of publication. "She," beautiful personification of Wisdom, stands "at the head of the noisy streets" (R.V. margin). Our methods — the voice — the press, its powerful agency. 2. But the substance of wisdom is always the same, because human nature, life, and needs are the same. We still require higher guidance in our hurried life of to-day. Wisdom sees into the heart of things; seeks their essence; is not drawn aside by accidentals; and puts them in true proportions. 3. The Spirit of Wisdom. "I will pour out My Spirit," etc. More a spirit than a science: not to be learnt by rules, but reveals itself to love. Ruskin says that no great painting can be produced unless the artist loves his subject. There must be a leaning that way. A boy who leans to science will make a better naturalist than one to whom slugs and insects are repulsive. So the spirit of wisdom is poured out as love upon the lover. It purifies thought, steadies life, and enriches the nature. II. HOW TREATED. "I have called," etc. She stands and cries: but the stream passes by engrossed and heedless, or turns to break a jest upon her. "Simple ones," those who are as weather-vanes, light of head, and turned by every wind; shallow of heart, they live the easy life of hand to mouth. "Scorners," the superior people, who "know, don't you know," to whom earnestness is fanaticism, and devotion cant. "Fools," to whom knowledge is a reproach, who stupidly go on their way, and resent interference, even for their good. But the excuses! "Let my schemes come to completion, and then!" "When I have a bit more time!" If a youth neglects learning a trade or profession, his life will be "bound in shallows and miseries." To drift is fatal. But too often this counsel is set at nought. III. THE PUNISHMENT OF NEGLECT. All through the day she has cried, and has been neglected or despised. The light begins to fade, the night comes, not of "sleep, balmy sleep," but of wrath. Wisdom sadly leaves. The whirlwind begins to gather: the air trembles: the earth shudders. Most fearful of all is God's laughter through the darkened heavens. (J. Feather.) Parallel Verses KJV: Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:WEB: Wisdom calls aloud in the street. She utters her voice in the public squares. |
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