Proverbs 1:28 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me.

NIV: "Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me,

NASB: Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently but will not find me,

CSB: Then they will call me, but I won’t answer; they will search for me, but won’t find me.

NLT: 'When they cry for help, I will not answer. Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me.

KJV: Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

NKJV: “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.

This verse reinforces that idea that the time to seek wisdom is before acting, not after. As human beings, we have a bad habit of acting foolishly, and only then asking, "Oh, no, what do I do now?" In truth, that was the question we should have asked before we got into trouble! When the consequences of our bad choices are staring us in the face, we suddenly become motivated. We analyze and scheme and plan. True wisdom is choosing the right path, and considering the consequences, before we're faced with disaster. Instead of trying to wheedle our way out of bad outcomes, we should be focused on listening to wisdom and avoiding them entirely.

When we experience dire consequences, we often look back and wish we had made the right choice. We think back to when wisdom called out to us and we ignored her. The expression "hindsight is 20/20" is a reflection of this section of the book of Proverbs. We never see the wisdom of wisdom more clearly than when we're in the middle of distress, caused by ignoring it. This also echoes back to verse 26, where the memory of good advice not taken is haunting.

Proverbs 1:20–33 concludes the first chapter of Proverbs with the dire consequences of the behaviors defined in the previous section. Also, in this segment is the first personification of wisdom as a female. Throughout Proverbs, Solomon likens wisdom to a woman crying out. The theme is that she is not hiding but is out in the open for all to hear, even though she often goes overlooked.

Proverbs Chapter 1 provides a clear description of the purpose of the book. It is stated plainly who wrote the book, the lineage of Solomon, and to whom he was writing. Solomon gives four distinct purpose statements in the opening verses. The essence of these is to explain why he is writing the book as well as the source of his inspiration. Solomon concludes with a warning against sinfulness and a personal plea for his children to act wisely.

Proverbs Chapter 1 is clearly born out of Solomon’s life history. Solomon held himself back from no earthly pleasure, he had everything he could ever desire, and in the end he saw the foolishness of his actions. Chapter 1 is Solomon’s reflection on his own life, how he had all the wisdom of God available to him, and yet chose to follow after foolish desires. Other chapters detail the advice which this experience allows Solomon to give.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.