The results of rejecting wisdom

Today, as we continue our study of Proverbs, we see the results of rejecting wisdom. It's not good. Though we may not see all of the results in this world, we know what awaits the foolish in eternity.

²⁹ You hated knowledge. You didn't choose to have respect for the Lord. ³⁰ You wouldn't accept my advice. You turned your backs on my warnings. ³¹ So you will eat the fruit of the way you have lived. You will choke on the fruit of what you have planned. ³² "Childish people go down the wrong path. They will die. Foolish people are satisfied with the way they live. They will be destroyed. ³³ But those who listen to me will live in safety. They will not worry. They won't be afraid of getting hurt."

Proverbs 1:29-33

Discussion

• In this continuation of what we read yesterday, wisdom is telling the foolish the results of their foolishness. Just as we read in verse 7, we can see that not respecting God is foolishness
• we see in verse 30 how the foolish not only don't take wisdom's advice, but they turn their back on it - they completely reject it!
• Verses 31 and 32 describe some of the results of their foolishness.
  • they get what they deserve (v 31)
  • it won't really satisfy them (v 31)
  • they will go down the wrong path which leads to death (v 32)
  • they might be satisfied with their lives, but they'll be destroyed
  When you remember Proverbs 22:6 - which is the theme verse for our family Bible study - you see that we want you to go down the right path and not the foolish path
• This passage ends, like so many Proverbs, with a contrast. After showing the results of rejecting wisdom, it once again shows some of the benefits of wisdom
  • live in safety
  • not worry
  • won't be afraid of getting hurt
  Now, it doesn't say you won't get hurt if you are wise, but you won't be afraid of getting hurt. It's important to keep in mind that a wise person won't lead a perfect life, but a wise person will fear God and not fear what can happen to him. A wise person should remain focussed on God and not on the situation he's in.